Spun·gle v. spun·gled, spun·gling, spun·gles;
to deplete one's savings on the most marvelous, yet frivolous, possessions and services;
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Wine Chiller (Verdict: Genius!)
Although it’s chilly outside, it doesn’t mean that you should be drinking warm white wine at your next dinner party. In fact, you still need to adhere to rules and keep your whites nice and chilly. In the past, keeping a Riesling at the optimal 7 degrees centigrade required putting the bottle into the fridge the night before. However, as with any good dinner party, there is always tons to prep, and refrigerator real-estate comes at a premium. So, here’s a solution to the battle between your confit de canard and your Alsacian Riesling, The Wine Enthusiast Chilling Carafe with Ice Sleeve.
This hand-blown, lead free carafe comes with a middle sleeve that is designed to accommodate standard ice cubes. Just fill the carafe with your favorite vino (white please), insert the sleeve, and your wine will be chilled to perfection. Then when you’re ready to serve, all you have to do is remove the sleeve and pour. Please feel free to repeat the aforementioned process as much as possible, or until everyone has had enough to drink that they won’t notice that you burnt the crème brulee!
As the economic downturn appears to abate, soon Wall-Street’ers will be looking for ways to spend their bonuses. Sure they could spend it on the usual lux toys like cars, trips, and watches. But for the newly-revived Wall Street mogul with a hankering for a special Scotch, we have the perfect experience for you!
The famed Dalmore distillery is partnering with world-renown distiller Richard Paterson to create YOUR bespoke scotch. For a mere $85,000, Dalmore will whisk you to Scotland with first-class airfare, pamper you when you arrive with city and country tours, house you in utter opulence, entertain you with falconry, and ultimately introduce you to Mr. Paterson.
If you know scotch, you know Richard Paterson. With too many accolades to list, Richard Paterson is the third generation of his family to serve as Master Distiller -- a rich family lineage unmatched in the industry. It’s no wonder his award-winning blends have garnered the attention of the world’s most discriminating connoisseurs and why he will be charged with the duty of making your scotch.
You see, after spending four glorious days in Scotland, Mr. Paterson will then start concocting your dream bespoke scotch. He will incorporate your discriminating tastes, focus on your favorite aromas, and hone in on your personality. In a few weeks time he will send you a handmade case with your prized bottle of scotch.
Sure this is utter lavish spending, but then again, the bonuses are back, and you have to spend it on something!
Since changing the clocks last weekend, we’re really having issues adjusting to this early nightfall- especially since we depend on natural lighting and have an office that is surrounded by windows! It is not only requiring us to turn on more lights to keep the work flowing, but it’s also forcing us to use flashlights every time we want to plug/unplug some piece of media equipment. What a pain! Well, we can honestly say that after struggling way too much with flashlights, while balancing ourselves on chairs with one hand behind the projector, we have found a solution to our request for a third-arm, the Gorillatorch!
This funny-looking, animalistic creature is the newest genius product from Joby. Built with strong flexible magnetic feet, this uber-bright flashlight can be positioned in a myriad of ways to ensure that you have perfect light where you need it. Need to swap out the video card on your computer? Not a problem, position it hanging upside down to perfectly shine light into you computer tower. Need to get a little extra light inside your closet? Position it to hang off your shelf and you have the light exactly where you need it. You get the idea? This thing is invaluable when you desperately need light in a tight space.
And best of all, it’s cheap! What more could you ask for? A flashlight that can hold itself, that doesn’t burn through batteries, and costs less than a few days of Starbucks, sounds like something that you need to buy right away!
So if Monday was a look into the future as to what is THE jacket for the weeks ahead, today’s review is a look into the past, as to what has been our favorite summer-time tote for the last few weeks. For those of you who saw us out in the Hamptons this summer, you may remember that we were toting around an unfamiliar bag. It had large strong piping, bright bold color, and was with us when we were at the gym, the beach, or a last-minute pool party. In fact, we were nearly inseparable from this bag because it was perfect for every situation from the moment we left our office in NYC until we boarded the train back to NYC at the end of the weekend. We’re talking about our beloved Wm J. Mills & Co. duffle from the famed Long Island sail-maker.
This well-known Long Island local sail-maker has been in the canvas business since the 19th century. They have perfected the art of making sails for boats and over the years have expanded to becoming the authority on canvas manufacturing. Therefore, it is no wonder why at their first run at making a canvas bag, that they were able to hit it out of the park!
Capitalizing on the duffle-bag craze, these canvas-based geniuses were able to construct a bag that not only can withstand the elements, but can also go everywhere from the office to the beach and back, all while looking brand-spanking-new! The reason that these bags are so strong and hold their color and shape so well that they are constructed from super durable #8 duck cotton canvas while the zipper is heavy-duty marine-grade quality. In addition, each duffel is water resistant allowing you to dart in and out of the elements, and is also machine washable for when the elements get the best of you. Taken together, it is an incredibly sharp looking bag that like a good Timex, can take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’!
Now, if you are starting to think about potential holiday gifts for your favorite man, then we actually suggest that you expand beyond just getting him a duffel (since we know you totally are obsessed with Wm J. Mills & Co after reading this review), and go for the Travel Set. This set includes not only one duffle, but two duffles and a flight bag. Now, by purchasing the set you not only are going to save a whole lot of cash compared to buying each piece individually, but you are also going to afford him the ability to no longer need to check any luggage on his next flight because these bags are perfect for storing a ton and still fitting in even the tightest of spaces.
So, if you want to give yourself or your loved ones a gift that they will surely love, then be sure to add a Wm J. Mills duffle to your holiday shopping list. When you buy this hand-made, locked-stitch bag, you know that you are buying quality- why even think about anything other than the best quality out there?
When the calendar clicks from October to November and the clocks click back an hour, you know it’s time to start clicking and snapping different buttons on your jacket. No longer does your Fall ’09 attire fit the bill for those chilly mornings and brisk evenings. So, in case you have found yourself in a panic as to what to wear this November (and the rest of the winter), here’s a suggestion, the Barbour Hamilton Grip Quilt.
For starters, you all know that we are absolute Barbour die-hards. We are obsessed with their commitment to detail and their ability to manufacture a product that will last the test of time. In addition, we are extremely hard on our outerwear with all the traveling we do, and we must admit that when we’re flaunting good ‘ol Barbour, it always looks unbelievably fresh and well put together.
Ok, so enough about our love-affair, and more about this absolutely outstanding addition to Barbour’s ever-popular line of quilted jackets. As opposed to their other quilted jackets, Barbour went outside the box with this one. In fact, they made the box bigger… the boxes on the quilt that is. This jacket features a dramatically larger quilt than previous models, which gives the jacket a semi-puffy feel. It’s because of this extra fullness that the jacket feels (and is) so much warmer while still only having 100g of wadding. Furthermore, the collar is accented with corduroy which not only makes the collar stand up, but also keeps your neck nice and warm when you zip it up all the way. Lastly, this stunning black jacket features great yellow accents on the Barbour label on the sleeve and on the inner coat tag. This deviation from the traditional olive green jacket / khaki accents makes for not only a great fashion statement, but for some awesome variety for us Barbour junkies.
So, if you’re looking to heat things up this winter, and also keep yourself warm, then look no further than the moderately priced and extremely fashionable Barbour Hamilton Grip Quilt. We feel bad writing this review, because we know that once you see it, you won’t be able to control yourself, and will be compelled to buy it right away!
Although we are continuously in an Empire State of Mind, we have love and admiration for those funny talking folks across the pond. In fact, when looking for our Fall 2009 scent, we didn’t even bat an eyelash when we looked at the bottle of this intriguing aroma. The olfactory stimulating winner is from famed perfume manufacturer Bond No 9, and the scent is entitled Harrods for Him.
Definitely the first joint NYC / London aroma, this incredible scent is sure to set you apart from all the other gents the moment you walk into the room. With the first whiff you catch a fall-like scent of sandalwood and birchwood. As you heat up and help volatize the cologne, you (and those around you) start to notice a soothing lavandin that is garnished in pimentos berries, that is all wrapped in violet leaves. Ultimately, the scent leaves your olfactory bulb saturated with a cornucopia of flavors, including a hint of anise that seems to linger and intrigue all those around you.
To say that we are obsessed with Harrods for Him is an understatement! It is the quintessential complement to the changing of the seasons and all those wonderful smells. So, be nice, get this cologne, and make your presence known to all those who don’t have a stuffy nose (or the swine flu)!
With Halloween only a few short weeks away, it’s never to early to think about carving the pumpkin. In fact, this upcoming weekend is probably the best weekend to go to the pumpkin patch to find your next jack-o-lantern. With that said, carving a pumpkin is not just buying a pumpkin, drawing in two triangles for ears and an ellipse for a mouth, and gauging it all out with a steak knife. Instead, you need to pick a pumpkin that matches the architecture of your design, that has enough space to allow your design to take shape, and has contours that allow for easy cutting. And that’s just picking out your pumpkin.
Here’s a link to a great site that has inexpensive, yet creative designs. So, now you have your pumpkin, you have your plan, but the last thing you need are the tools to complete the project. You could definitely go and buy one of those childish plastic semi-serrated carving tools, or actually invest in a piece of serious cutlery. We advise the later.
And with that, we introduce you to the time-test outstanding French knife manufacturer, Opinel. Opinel has been making knives for 100+ years and has manufactured 250+ million knives to date. They are well known for their beautiful pearwood handles, and incredibly sharp and agile blades. The knives are the perfect piece of pocket cutlery for an afternoon in the garden, woods, or out on the range. In fact, I’ve had one for 15+ years and it still keeps its beautiful edge! The reason that we are advocating for an Opinel for your pumpkin surgical project, is because you need a knife that will rest comfortably in the hand, require little pressure to cut, and can cut sharp lines and angles like a jig-saw. We really can’t imagine a better knife for the project and recommend that you order one today so that you have it in time for this weekend.
Thankfully, Amazon has a whole selection with next day shipping, so it seems like your weekend is almost a guaranteed success. Provided, you keep your fingers away from that razor sharp blade!
When it comes to moccasins, one brand comes to mind, Minnetonka. And although Minnetonka moccasins pre-date most of our readers, they typically have been a women’s brand. Well, we’re proud to announce that Minnetonka has made a concerted effort to lure in the better gender by creating some unbelievable footwear for 2009, and we got to try their hottest design, the Double Bottom Hardsole.
These fine looking moccasins are made from an extremely soft yet durable leather that not only looks great day-after-day, but also feels great, too. In classic Minnetonka style, they feature a hand-stitched toe-box and a hand-threaded leather tie. However, in breaking with tradition, they have included an extremely comfortable heel-to-toe cushion, that provides outstanding support for when you need to spend hours on your feet. Taken together, these ain’t your daddy’s moccasins. They are fine looking shoes that can be worn casually with a pair of jeans, or a little more formally with a pair of slacks. And, for less than $75, what more could you ask for?
As you can imagine, we read way too many magazines each week. And when we read a magazine, we’re typically looking for products to review or feature. So, we naturally go through a ton of post-it notes both tagging pages and jotting notes. However, as you all know, post-it notes are not the most aesthetically pleasing. Which is why, we are nutso for the Kakuzai Memo Block!
This stack of 1200 notes is styled so that it looks like a harmless block of wood sitting on your desk. No longer do you need to have unsightly neon notes scattered everywhere. Instead, you can have little slices of wood for your little slices of ideas. How cool!
When it comes to keys, it’s hard to be cool. Let’s face it, keys are just awkward, hard, metal objects that we have to carry day-in and day-out. So, if you’re going to be forced to carry a set of keys with you, you might as well maximize the utility of that pocket weight, and get some bang for your buck. Behold, the Screw Keys!
For just $5 and a few extra ounces tugging on your jeans, you can carry an extremely useful Phillips and Flat screwdriver everywhere you go. We cannot tell you how many times these two little keys have come in handy. From fixing our dilapidated and overpriced summer rental’s fixtures, to changing a watch battery, to setting up some cheap home furnishings, we can’t imagine a weekend going by where you won’t need to screw something! (pun intended)
Now that summer is far behind us, it’s time to retune our bodies and undo all those toxic nights and weekends. Sure, you could go to the gym and promise yourself that you’ll “eat right,” but as the temperature drops and the night comes earlier, we all know that it’s hard to get motivated. So, we decided to kick off Fall 2009 with a cleanse. But, as opposed to our last BluePrint Cleanse, we decided to REALLY detox ourselves, and subjected ourselves to the Excavation Cleanse.
We’ll start by saying that the name is actually much scarier than the cleanse. However, this was not our first (or our last) BluePrint Cleanse experience, and so we knew what we were in for. As we said in our last review, the BluePrint Cleanse is a powerful experience. You limit yourself to a cooler-bag a day. You deny yourself sweet tasty delectables. And, you focus on changing you.
Well, if you thought the Foundation wasn’t so bad, then the Excavation is the next logical step. We have to admit that we had a very easy transition into the cleanse. As we learned from last time, we limited our meat and fat the week before; we scaled down our food volume; and we actively pre-hydrated ourselves with bottles upon bottles of water. When the reliable delivery guy came with our juice, we were ready to go. And go we did!
The first juice tasted like a familiar friend, and the second wasn’t too bad either. It was once we got to our third green juice that we missed the good ‘ol pineapple-based juice from the Foundation cleanse, but felt right back in our groove with our favorite spicy lemonade. Overall, the cleanse was a piece of cake. And in fact, we found that we felt even stronger than last time during the cleanse. It was all-in-all not just an excavating experience, but also an uplifting one, too.
Of course we lost a whole bunch of weight, which we did slowly gain back. However, we did find that we broke ourselves from our maladaptive sugar and alcohol-based habits from the summer, and were able to get ourselves back onto a serious life-course through a simple 5-day cleanse.
To say that we recommend BluePrint Cleanse is an understatement. We honestly live by this stuff! BluePrint Cleanse is an excellent way to help break bad habits, start you on the right course, and excavate out all the crap that you’ve done to your body (literally). So, what are you waiting for? You’ve got to tune up and shape up for Christmas vacation!
When we need a new comfy tee, we usually make a b-line to a American Apparel. Their shirts are unbelievably soft, comfortable, and wear like iron. Wash after wash, they maintain their great shape and smooth texture. So, when we got the chance to try out American Apparel’s new bedding endeavor, we made sure we were at the top of their media list!
Priced at about the cost of 3 or 4 basic t-shirts (depending on mattress size), these uber-soft sheets are perfect fall bedding. They keep you warm at night and perfectly designed for late Sunday mornings. Like their classic tees, they are constructed from ultra-fine jersey cotton, and maintain their look and shape in even the worst apartment building washer. In fact, we’ve washed our set 10+ times, and they still look and feel like the day that they arrived.
Available in a handsome gray or a stark white, these are an absolute must-have in your linen closet. Nothing is better than coming home to a freshly made bed with new sheets. Treat yourself and get a set of these affordable sheets. We guarantee that you’ll fall in love with American Apparel all over again!
As football season gets underway, we sadly say goodbye to weekend golf games. Sure we can play 9 or 18 holes before a 1 o’clock kick-off, but the days of 36 holes are over. This means that your swing is going to be only as good as it was over the summer, and quite possibly, you’re going to fade as you anxiously await your next golf trip. So, what are you to do? You could go to the driving range after a long day of work, but chances are that it’ll be dark and cold. You could invest in one of those over-priced video golf simulators, but chances are that you don’t have the space to set it up in your apartment. Or, you could do what the pros do, and get yourself the Callaway X-Force Swing Trainer.
Weighing in at approximately 8lbs (twice that of the average driver), the Callaway Golf X-Force Swing Trainer is designed to not only help you keep your swing, but bring your game to a whole new level. By simply being heavier than your common club, you build golf-specific muscle tone with each swing and also train your muscle fibers how to move in the perfect movement. As you continue to practice with the X-Force, you’ll notice that you’ll be able to refine your timing, position, and follow through off the tee.
After a few quick swings we instantly felt a soreness we had never felt before. In fact, it was almost like picking up a club for the first time. However, after persistently using the club 3-5 times a week, we noticed that we were not only gaining valuable yardage at the range, but also hitting more consistently. In fact, we found that we were playing better overall, just from a few swings a day with this perfectly sized trainer.
You can use the X-Force while using your headset on a conference call, you can use it while in your den watching the game, or you can even leave one in your bag for warming-up before your next game. This is truly a must-have for everyone from the novice looking to learn to the pro looking to refine. Enjoy the great football this weekend and be sure to pick Callaway X-Force Swing Trainer!
As the warm weather escapes, so do the days of open collars. No longer is it acceptable to throw on your favorite fitted button-down, roll up the sleeves, and leave a button or two for “personal air-conditioning.” Now, the expectation is that you will not only button the cuffs, but also complement that outfit with an equally impressive tie. Sure you could rummage through your collection, but we guarantee that your personal tie-stock could use a little sprucing up. Which is why we looked to one of our favorite tie designers, Vittorio J, to see what they’re launching for Fall ’09. To say that we’re impressed is an understatement, and in a minute you’ll see why!
This new collection, dubbed the Exclusives Collection, is the epitome of what we desire in our fashion-wear. As opposed to all those other “mass produced” ties that you can pick up at your favorite haberdashery, the Exclusives Collection is limited to five hand-numbered items per style! This not only guarantees that you’ll be the only one wearing your tie at your next meeting, it also guarantees that you’ll have a tie that only 4 other people can own. Pretty cool, right?!?
“The silk used in the Exclusive Collection comes from the best fabric house in England, and employs a yarn count 50% higher than the industry standard. This results in more silk threads per square inch, a greater ply count, and a generally softer and more refined touch. The lining of the ties is made from a double-blend fabric known as NAPOLI + TELA, which uses strips of cotton and virgin wool to create a firm but pliable backing.”
As if we didn’t whet your appetite already, you’ll be pleased to know that this uber-hot collection features a double slip-stitch; a complex tailoring touch that not only diminishes the wrinkles associated with wear and tear, but also creates a fuller and more fluid knot. And, to take it to a whole new level, these ties include an elastic thread stitched through the interior, that ends as an exposed loop at the base of the tie. If the tie ever becomes wrinkled, it can be straightened out with a simple tug on the loop, not only keeping you looking fresh, but also keeping your tie around for a few more seasons.
As you can see, we can go on and on about how much we love these ties. But, truth be told, you can only really appreciate them in person. So, take a few moments from your day today and schlep over to Imparali . We know it’ll be love at first sight and that after that faithful trip that you neck will forever be beautifully adorned!
As summer quickly abates and the economy starts to return, business travel is on the rise. And while it was absolutely blissful to spend weekend nights with the windows open listening to the soothing tones of crickets and waves, we are slowly, but surely being jarred back to sounds of stuffy hotel rooms with stagnant air. So, in an attempt to bring a breath of fresh air to that looming hotel-associated claustrophobic cloud of dank, here’s a great portable product—the Air O Swiss Travel Ultrasonic Humidifier.
This pint-sized travel humidifier is designed to work with your favorite pint-sized bottle of water. Simply plug in this tiny device, connect the adapter to your bottled water, and you instantly have clean humified air. The mist is generated by an ultrasonic generator that uses high-frequency vibrations to generate a “micro-fine” cool mist which almost instantly evaporates. Amazingly enough, this little wonder can take a dry, stale hotel room, and make it a habitable environment. You’ll not only feel better when you’re in the room, you’ll sleep better at night, which will set you up for more productive days. To be honest, we’re shocked that we didn’t find this product sooner, because it really makes a huge difference when going from an incredibly arid airplane to an even more uncomfortable hotel room. Best of all, the AC adapter comes with exchangeable plugs that work throughout North America and Europe. Taken together, there’s no reason why this is not a permanent fixture in your luggage!
Happy schlepping this fall, and we hope this little wonder makes that next trip just that much more tolerable!
While we can all appreciate a great shirt, you have to admit that it is the little “extras” that really complete the outfit; the right pants, a regal belt, matching shoes, etc. This is why we are always on the hunt for those little tidbits that not only help complete your outfit, but also set you apart from all the rest. Case in point, these wonderful cufflinks from our friend, Stephen Estelle.
These extremely unique, hand-forged, sterling-silver and labradorite cufflinks are simply unbelievable. At first glance they look just like any old sterling silver box-braided cufflinks. However, it’s only when you see how they perform in different lighting environments that you can appreciate the gray-green-blue labradorite stone. With a black shirt, they make a power-statement. With a white shirt, they scream sophistication. And with a blue shirt, they are subtly elegant. Once we got our hands on these cufflinks, we went through our entire collection of French-cuffed shirts just to see how diverse they truly are. And, take our advice, once you add these to your collection, they will instantly become your go-to cufflinks for every occasion from work to play and all that is in-between!
Although summer is essentially over, it doesn’t mean that box wine is passé. It just means that cheap box wine is a thing of the past! Behold, Yellow + Blue, an eco-focused winery that not only produces unbelievable organic wines, but also packages them in a sustainable form—in a carton!
We first were introduced to Yellow + Blue earlier this summer and were quite intrigued by their packaging. Having been in the advertising/marketing business long enough, we realized that anything with an element of funk sells. However, we also realize that funk can make a customer purchase something once; it doesn’t always bring back repeat customers. Well, we are proud to say that from our first sip of the Yellow + Blue Rosé we were instantly hooked. And when we started to learn more about their company, we became huge fans!
To quote their marketing team, who has actually put it quite well, “Matthew Cain created Yellow+Blue after observing that countries such as Australia and Italy had quickly adopted eco-friendly packaging, and were selling 50-60 percent of their wines in this format. Seeing the potential in the U.S. market, Cain developed Yellow+Blue to tailor this mindful approach to the quality-conscious plates of discerning American wine drinkers. The result is a superior, better-tasting alternative to other “boxed” wines that are typically made by bulk growers without vintage dates.”
Case in point, the 2008 Rosé Alicante. A wine that is ideal for a warm fall evening, or even after a rough day at the office in the dead of winter. “Grapes grown in Spain’s famed Alicante region benefit from a continental climate softened by Mediterranean Sea breezes, with low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The vineyard is situated approximately 2,000 feet above sea level, where the “gobelet” (víña en vaso) system is used to ensure proper airing of the vines. The mineral-rich soil, combined with the warm, dry climate, yields fresh and fruity wines with great structure, lively color and intense aroma.
Our 2008 Rosé was harvested at the end of August. Rainfall early in the growing season, followed by a warm summer, resulted in a full and uniform ripeness of the Monastrell and Syrah grapes. All work, including the harvest, was done by hand. After crushing, the must was macerated for 10 hours before decanting. Fermentation took place in stainless steel for 17 days at a temperature of 13-16° Celsius (55-60° F.) Crisp, dry, bright and lively, our 2008 Rosé is a great choice for the warmer months but you might just want to keep some on hand all year ‘round.”
Best of all, this unbelievably complex rosé barely makes a dent in your weekly expenses. Taken together, it’s not only good for the environment, it’s good for your wallet! What more could you want from your next glass of rosé!?!
Although it’s Labor Day, we couldn't resist telling you about our favorite sneaker. So, in the spirit of the holiday, we’ll keep it brief. The sneaker is the Tretorn Krona Mesh Sneaker, and it is an unbelievable find because not only is it low-profile and extremely breathable, but it also looks wonderful with everything from shorts to jeans. Made with a soft mesh upper that is coupled to an uber-comfortable rubber sole, this shoe was designed for every occasion from a dress-down day at the office to a warm summer/fall evening. Available in silver, red, blue and brown, we truly believe that this is the shoe to sport in the next few weeks ahead. Jazz them up with some funky socks or keep summer alive without socks; no matter what you do, you are certainly going to be the head of the class with these gorgeous kicks!
With Labor Day weekend only a few hours away, we sadly admit that Summer ’09 is drawing to a close. Now that we are left without a place to run to on the weekends, we realize that we are going to have to start cooking for ourselves just to survive the cold months ahead. Sure we could order in, but there was something so nice about seasoning our burgers and grilling them to perfection. And being that we’re NYC based, we never legally could have a barbeque on our terrace, let alone even hide one. Well, if you find yourself in the same boat as we are, we think we found the solution to your gastronomic worries. It’s called the Sagaform Portable Bucket-Shaped Charcoal Grill, and it’s f’ing amazing!
This sub-$50 stainless steel wonder is what we have been dreaming about for all our years of living in NYC! In a nutshell, this grill is nothing more than a stainless steel bucket with fold-out legs, and a 10-inch grilling rack. With a small bag of charcoal and a handful of hickory, you can easily re-create your summer night’s dream on the privacy of your own balcony. Sure it makes smoke that may get you caught, but it’s also small enough that you can easily put out the charcoals with a pitcher of water when the super comes a knocking. This stainless wonder is ideal for cooking burgers, a piece of fish, or even skirt-steak. Of course, because it lacks a top it’s hard to get some real searing heat, but when forced between a pan-fry and a charcoal burger, there’s no question which way we’re going. And, best of all, clean up is a piece of cake, and it’s easy to hide in the closet or under the sink! So, before you cry yourself to sleep tonight, make a quick visit to Amazon and pick one up before they sell out (again) and they go on backorder (again)!
With descending mercury and only a few days before Labor Day, time is running out to wear white. In fact, this weekend is going to be your last chance to wear white with pride. So, what are you to do? Well, you could just rummage through your closet and see what piques your fancy. Or, you could actually buy a new outfit for this weekend and close out Summer ’09 in style. As you can guess, we’re advocating for the latter. Now, in case you just developed anxiety by the thought of what you actually need to buy, you can rest assured. We have found for you the sweater that is so Labor Day Weekend 2009 that you truly don’t have to look anywhere else. And to be honest, it’s such a great piece, we imagine that you’re going to break the rules and sport it through the fall, too. The sweater is the cashmere creation of Christopher Fischer, the weaving wonder, and it is dubbed the Bogart Double Vee Neck Sweater.
This soft, supple sweater is manufactured from Christopher Fischer’s famed ultra-light summer-weight cashmere. Designed with cool summer nights in mind, this piece keeps you looking hot when going out, but unbelievably cool when dancing the night away. For starters, it sports an extremely creative double v-neck that gives the illusion of wearing two sweaters. However, the “vee” is set wide and deep, which not only helps keep you cool, but also gives you a broadening muscular look. Being that it is made from a single layer of cashmere, it beautifully follows the contours of your physique, but since it is made from cashmere, it also softens all your lines. Taken together, this beautiful sweater makes you look broad and masculine, while giving you a soft and sophisticated look.
If you’re looking to light up the night this weekend, then you really have no other option than to pick-up this sweater. We know it seems a little odd to support cashmere before Labor Day and such a pricey item at the end of the summer season, but to be honest, when we find a great product, we just have to share it!
You have to admit, there’s nothing worse than looking at your desk, countertop, or nightstand and seeing a wad of charger clutter. Sure you could use an ingenious product like the Chargepod which we featured a while back to condense the unsightly wires; but, sometimes you need a more aesthetically appealing solution, something like the Grassy Lawn Charging Station on ThinkGeek.com A true testament to WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get), the Grassy Lawn Charging Station is nothing more than a box of artificial grass that has a compartment underneath to hid the power adapters and cables. The box then connects to your standard outlet via a single extension cord. Ridiculously simple, and shear genius! This little box somehow brings a ray of sunshine to your rat nest of cables, and makes your desk almost instantly appear not only less cluttered, but more inviting. To be honest, we have Grassy Stations at work, in the Hamptons, and even give them away as house-warming gifts. It’s the type of product you were never looking for, but are surely glad to have. So, spare your retinas the shame of your cables and buy yourself a Grassy Lawn Charging Station—we know you and your visitors will surely appreciate it!
Call us suckers, but we seem to be easily wooed by pretty packaging and big promises. Case in point, the entire “wrinkle” or “lip” aisle at your local Sephora. With that said, we also realize that the entire store can be based on total false-advertising and broken promises, so we decided to try out a few products, in hopes of defining our ever so delicate skin while preserving what remains of our manliness. This month’s test product: MD Skincare’s Serious Lip Treatment.
At first we were skeptical that this little $60 box could not only “plump our lips” but also “reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Then, as we started reading closer, we realized that this was a “two-step” process requiring two different elixirs. You see, for the last 30 some-odd years, we haven’t had to put anything on our lips and they’ve done just fine. Now, we not only need to spend upwards of $50 to “preserve” them, we need to do a “two-step” process. Sounds like something that was just demanding a run through Spungle labs.
For starters, the two step process is nothing more than two schmears. When bottle A is dry, schmear on bottle B. When B is dry, your work is done. To be honest, it couldn’t be more idiot proof. However, we’re not reviewing this product for its ease of application, we want to know if it’s worth cutting into our drinking budget. Well, according to our wives and girlfriends, the result is absolutely noticeable! Most of our significant others noted a dramatic difference after two weeks of religious application, and some even though they appreciated a smoother smooch after one week. The MD Skincare Serious Lip Treatment actually healed our sun/cigarette/cigar/whisky tattered lips, and brought them back to a civilized state. To say that we are impressed, is an understatement.
So, if you’re looking to improve on your smooch’s impact, or maybe just lose your Marlboro Man pucker, then definitely try MD Skincare’s Serious Lip Treatment. It comes at a hefty price, but we think you’ll definitely appreciate it!
While we openly admit that we love aviator glasses (as you can see from all our previous reviews), we are getting a little sick of wearing the same sunglasses as everyone else. As you know, we pride ourselves on our unique lux fashion, and never want to be known as conformists. So, in an attempt to redefine the precious real estate that stretches from ear-to-ear, we went around NYC to see what people wear on their faces. We saw lots of Luxottica products, the occasional Oliver Peoples (made famous by our favorite movie Cruel Intentions), and more often than not, unbranded frames. We stopped the “unbranded” folks to see what they were wearing, and learned that Manhattan-faces are protected by a montage of manufacturers. However, after interviewing and reviewing umpteen people, we realized that our attention was most focused on those sporting the famed Moscot frames. As we featured a few months back, Moscot is THE original NYC eyeglass maven. They make frames that transcend decades and withstand the toughest of beatings. In sum, they make our favorite Summer ’09 style, the Zulu!
To quote their site, “Named for our strapping and unconventional uncle, Uncle Zulu Pushkin (yes, that’s his real name) who was a runner for a famed New York bookie back in the day, the Zulu recreates the ubiquitous American Optical Pilot frame made famous in the 1940s. This square shaped frame is strong and sturdy so it can really take a beating – urban or otherwise, if you catch our drift.”
What we adore about these simply wonderful frames is that they are not only light on the face, but extremely durable in the pocket. We have been bopping between Manhattan, the Hamptons, and everywhere in between with Zulus on our heads, and have to admit that they look just as good as when we picked them up at the Moscot store. The gold frame is thick enough to convey a strong masculine look, yet subtle enough that they look great with a suit or a t-shirt. And with respect to the lenses, we honestly don’t know if anyone makes a higher quality. The Moscot patented G15 aviator lens not only cuts the glare like a hot knife cuts butter, but enhances the wonderful pantone of summer colors that we all love. One of biggest problems in comparing glasses was that many of the lenses added “hues” to the visual fields. We found that the Moscot lenses never distorted colors, and we think that is because they are primarily an eyeglass shop, and know how to make a damn-near perfect lens.
Taken together, there really is no reason to wear what everyone else is wearing. Set at a price point that is comparable, if not even slightly less than the generic aviator frame, the Moscot Zulu is the logical choice for the discriminating fashion hound. They are lightweight, exquisitely comfortable, wonderfully stylish, and unbelievably perfect. How many more adjectives do you need? Get them!
While we absolutely love our iPhone 3GS, we openly admit that we are deathly afraid of damaging it. With more computing power than the Lunar Lander, we realize that the iPhone is incredibly susceptible to the elements. With that said, we’re outdoor people, which means that our iPhone is an outdoor phone. So, what are we to do? Well, we thought about wrapping it in a bubble-wrapped packed ziplock, but to be honest, it looks kind of ridiculous at the beach. Obviously, in true Spungle fashion we went out and went hunting for our favorite iPhone 3GS case! The bounty of our search is the Otterbox Defender, and we most openly admit, we are beyond impressed!
Before telling you why this is the case that guards our beloved iPhone, we have to admit that this was not what we were looking for. Initially, we wanted a slim case that hugged the phenomenal profile of the iPhone. However, after trying one-too-many plastic cases, we realized that without the bulk, the iPhone is exquisitely vulnerable to the bangs and drops of an active lifestyle. So, it wasn’t until we broadened our search (and expanded the width of our ideal case) that we found the Defender.
For starters, the Defender case is extremely easy to apply. You simply slide the iPhone into the plastic back-shell, snap on the front, and stretch on the rubber guard. Once you assemble your iPhone fortress, you can rest assured that your device is secure. Not only does the case have a glare-resistant screen protector, it has an additional 2cm of protection on every corner- the sites of the most common iPhone injuries (due to the altered center of gravity of a flat device). Furthermore, every orifice where sand could potentially penetrate is beautifully protected with rubber stoppers. Ear phone port—covered. Charger/syncing port—covered. When you need access to these ports you can easily just pull back the rubber, but when you're bopping around the beach, you don’t have to worry about scratching your iPhone’s innards. As opposed to the gross majority of this case’s competitors, this case features an anti-glare camera cover that not only allows you to still take awesome photos, but also keeps your lens from getting scratched (or filled with lint). And, for when you’re wearing just a speedo, this case also features a secure multi-directional holster, for easy access, and secure holstering.
So, in summary, if you’re looking to include your iPhone in your active lifestyle, then you really have no alternative to the perfectly designed Defender case. It is ideal for a day at the beach, on your hip at work, and everywhere in between. Because it is incredibly easy to assemble and remove, there really is no reason to not get this rubber wonder. Which makes us question, what’s guarding your iPhone? Leave us a comment below; we’d love to see what’s guarding your beloved device!
When thinking of carefree summer days, a cleanly-shaven face is probably once of the farthest things from your mind. However, a face full of hair isn’t the most comfortable thing on a hot summer day either. So, what are you to do? Well, you could wake up an extra 10 minutes earlier every day and shave your face, but that will put you at risk for not only drying your skin out, but also exposing it to additional damage on a bright summer day. You could grow your beard out and trim it back when you remember, but realize that you may not have a uniform trim from day to day. Or, you could welcome Norelco to the rescue. Be hold, the Stubble Trimmer!
The shaving geniuses at Norelco understand the day-in and day-out challenges of being a fashionable male. They know what it’s like to be frustrated by shaving and obsessed with looking your best. This is why they make easy-to-use solutions for our daily shaving routines. The Stubble Trimmer is a handheld 5 o’clock trimming wonder. This rechargeable steel-blade whirring wonder features un-matched precision allowing you to trim your face down to any length (even 0.04 inches)! With a patented flexed contour comb, the shaver seamlessly glides from ear to ear without missing a spot. Feel like letting it go a little longer? No problem, just dial up a new length. Have a hot date? No problem, dial it down for an unbelievable close, yet stubbled shave. Taken together, this is probably the must-have grooming device of Summer ’09. This shaver not only makes face-trimming unbelievably easy, it makes you look damn good!
When it comes to summer scents, the sky’s the limit. To be honest, it seems like everyone has a new “perfect for summer” cologne. However, the brutal truth is that few can actually be called a “summer scent.” You see, your summer cologne needs to have a number of key characteristics. It has to be strong enough to be noticed over the routine summer fragrances of bbq’s and cotton candy, yet subtle enough to not seem stuffy and obtrusive. It has to be cool enough to connote fruits and flowers while still strong enough to be called masculine. And, most importantly, it has to last long enough so that even on a hot summer night, you smell just as amazing at the first drink as you do at the last dance. So, as you can see, it’s hard to find the perfect scent. However, don’t fret, our friend, we did all the hard work, and found the prototypical perfect Summer ’09 fragrance, Challenge by Lacoste!
Challenge by Lacoste, which is being marketed by Hayden Christensen, is by far one of our new favorite colognes. It has a subtle citrus scent that is layered upon a cornucopia of teak, ginger, coriander, violet and chocolate, and finished with a hint of oak. This scent conjures up thoughts of warm summer nights with cool refreshing drinks while equally suggesting challenging summer sunset tennis matches. It is the perfect scent for a day at the beach, an afternoon outdoor lunch, or a night on the town. To say that we love it, is an understatement. So, what are you waiting for? Summer’s almost half over!
With only a mere few hours standing between us and what is likely to be a phenomenal weekend, we thought it was only fitting to educate you on the art of hauling beer. You see, back when we were kids, we used large box-like objects made from this lightweight stuff called styrofoam. However, over the years we learned that not only is styrofoam dangerous around open flames and hungry dogs, but that it’s also not the most eco-friendly of materials. In addition, it also sucked to be the schmuck that had to lug the Styrofoam cooler that was just bound to start leaking as you attempted to trudge through the sand (or great lawn) to the perfect spot. So, in an attempt to be more eco-conscious, and also prevent you from looking like an awkward douche-bag, we went hunting for a stealth cooler that functioned well and also was comfortable to schlep. The victor is the Dolores Chiller, by Timbuk2, and we think after just one afternoon with your new found friend Dolores, that you, too, will never sport styrofoam again!
According to the folks at Timbuk2, “we have magically transformed our Classic Messenger into a fully insulated cooler. It's a bit Jeckyll & Hyde because it looks and feels like a messenger but performs like a cooler. Its waterproof TPU liner and total insulation keep the cold and the drips inside so you can stay outside. Did we mention it comes with a built-in bottle opener? (see above)”
To be honest, what more can we say? They’ve summed it all up. It’s an extremely comfortable-to-carry messenger that accommodates ice and icy cold beverages, and keeps you dry. In sum, we absolutely love it and think it’s amazing!
NOTE: Be sure to order it with overnight shipping, no sense in delaying its arrival since we only have 10 weekends left to Summer ’09!
When it comes to fine automobile design, Porsche hits the nail on the head. And when it comes to fine writing instruments, Porsche hits the nail on the head. As we’ve reviewed in the past, Porsche Design makes some phenomenal accessories for the discriminating individual. In fact, with every new creation from their writing design lab, we are thoroughly blown away. So, it’s probably no surprise that we’re absolutely “ga-ga” for their re-tuned P’3150 rollerball.
This ergonomically designed and perfectly balanced pen epitomizes the joy of writing. The cap seamlessly twists to reveal an unbelievably smooth rollerball tip. At times, it feels as if the pen is just gliding across the paper, as writing becomes effortless, and absolutely enjoyable. Although the pen has a respectable weight, it sits perfectly in the pocket without any significant distortion of your suit. In fact, we found that when clients were offered the pen, that quite often we had to check their pockets before leaving our office, to make sure that they didn’t walk off with our new favorite pen. So, if you’re looking for a second job as a scribe, or just want to enjoy the simple pleasure of jotting notes at your next meeting (instead of typing on your tiny BlackBerry), then look no further than their outstanding creation from Porsche Design. We know you’ll love it!
In light of last week’s review about finding well-fitted clothing, we think it is only fitting (pun intended) that we discuss undergarments. While you may spend hours shopping for clothes that don’t make you look too fat or too boxy, a lot of us spend mere minutes on shopping for our undergarments. In fact, many of us are on undergarment autopilot. We know if we’re boxer or brief guys; we know our undershirt size, and we typically run in, stock up, and run out without paying much attention to what we’re getting. However, if you take the time to make sure that your suit fits you perfectly, shouldn’t you take the time to make sure that your undergarments do as well? Behold, Tommy John!
To quote their site: “Our founder (Tom Patterson) was fed up with the way his clothes fit (particularly his undershirts) and set out to make the ultimate undershirt for himself. It has now evolved into a must have for every man.
Men's undershirts in general do not fit well; they are either too baggy, too short, cut like a box, give you the “fake love handle” appearance, shrink quickly, and are overall unflattering. We make clothes that fit and look better on all men; especially on guys with athletic and narrower builds.
If you are content with the 3 pack of Hanes or Jockey shirts you usually buy on sale at department stores, then you likely won’t value our undershirt.”
At first we were skeptical of their product because we thought it was just white spandex that was going to make us sweat even more and feel uncomfortably tight. However, after just one day of sporting Tommy John under a slim-cut suit, we were sold. Their v-neck actually plunges wide enough and low enough that it is not seen under an open collar. The shirt itself actually hugs your body allowing the tailoring of your dress shirt and suit to be appreciated, without being uncomfortably snug. And most importantly, the shirt does not ride up, avoiding that awkward pseudo-love-handle that they allude to above.
In sum, Tommy John is an affordable alternative to the standard undershirt. Their undergarments are light-weight, comfortable, and most importantly, low-profile. To tell you that we would ever go back to wearing standard undershirts would be a lie—we’re hooked on Tommy John!
In the spirit of the long-holiday weekend, we too are taking a break and going to beach. Obviously, we'll be perusing the clubs and sands for the hottest fashions and toys, but we'll also be getting some well needed R&R.
So, Happy July 4th and AMFYOYO! (Adios MoFo, You're On You're Own)-- just till Monday that is!
When it comes to proper fashion the only option is a bespoke garment. Sure you could go to your local haberdashery, buy a jacket or a shirt off the rack, and have them cut it up/down to your size. But at the end of the day, you’re essentially trying to fit something that was made for someone else. Let’s be honest, you’re not a cloth-filled torso; so why the hell are you wearing clothes designed for the “average American mannequin?” With that said, we are also cognizant of the fact that you get what you pay for, and not all of us have deep enough pockets both figuratively and literally (the average American pant pocket is 4.75 inches) for a custom wardrobe. So, in an attempt to fulfill our insatiable desire for proper fitting menswear, we tried out some of the best custom clothiers while hunting for the perfect shirt and jacket combo. The victor is Astor & Black, and man are we impressed.
Our Astor & Black adventure started with a friendly email with one of their top reps, Berel. He told us that he was more than willing to meet us at Spungle nearly any day at nearly any time day or night. We found a time that worked for us, and before we knew it, we had Berel at the door with fabrics in-tow. The fitting started with a conversation about life, what we do for fun, what we do at work, and how we like to portray ourselves. At first we thought he was just a well-seasoned bullsh*t artist, but soon we realized that he was trying understand the fashion and style of his consumer. His questions were extremely well-crafted: “Do you ever go straight from the office out for drinks?”, “What’s your take on dressing up/down for Sunday brunch?”, “Tell me about your ideal night out.” Taken together, his questions painted a picture, and before we knew it, he was ready to create. In what seemed like a double-jeopardy / rapid-fire session, we were soon peppered with questions about lapels, sleeve lengths, linings, pocket squares, vents, collars, and buttons. After being thoroughly deposed and cross-examined on our ideas of what makes the “perfect jacket” Berel went in for round-two asking us about cuts, collars, sleeves, and monograms for our matching shirt. By the end of this tête-à-tête we felt as if a) there was no way we could ever go to a normal department store and just buy something off the rack, b) there was no way we could ever be happy with what was in our closets, and c) that we really didn’t want to talk about clothing for a long time! However, the verbal questions were just the beginning. Within seconds of completing an extremely complex form that supposedly took all of our discussions into consideration, Berel ran across the room, and introduced us to “his luggage.”
At first we thought he had a midget-sized tailor inside that was going to take our measurements. But, much to our dismay, it was instead packed with hundreds of fabrics. If you thought the questions were tiring, try fingering through one amazing fabric after a next. To say that we were overwhelmed by our options is an understatement. However, Berel, being the professional that he is, quickly and effortlessly took us for an Italian tour through phenomenal Italian-woven threads, and then shuttled us through a rich tour down Saville Row with unbelievable British-woven threads. In sum, we toured the finest European mills from the comfort of our couch, and the convenience of Berel’s roll-on luggage. After a few minutes, we decided on a rich-looking exotic, rough, camel tweed for the jacket and a strong yet subtle check for our shirt. Finally we had created our dream jacket/shirt combo.
Now, we have to admit, the other custom clothiers do talk to you and schlep around books of fabrics, but the Astor & Black experience is on par with no other schtick in town. Especially, this next part… Just when we thought we were done, and ready to be measured, Berel asked us to put on a sport jacket. He wanted to see how we fit in the jacket, how we like our jackets, and also so he could get a glimpse at his over-priced Italian competition. Berel took measurements from the coat, pointed out why and how it did not fit, and promised us that he could not only do better, but that he guaranteed he would. The rest of the time he did the usual stuff- tape measure, scribbles, etc…
For what seemed like an eternity, but honestly was only a couple of weeks, we would get emails and calls from Astor & Black updating us on the status of our order. They were extremely easy to reach and wonderfully responsive- a quality that is NOT universal in the custom clothing business. Ultimately, we were surprised one day to find an oversized box from FedEx that proved to be a wardrobe box, with our jacket and shirt hanging inside. This is a touch that is also not universal. Many of the custom clothiers will send their products in soft UPS/FedEx bags which risks damage. Instead, Astor & Black takes pride in their product and sends it to you properly. Of course, they prefer to deliver it in person to tweak the garments in the event that you have any questions, but in the event that you’re as busy as we are, they make sure that you safely get your clothes.
And the result… AMAZING! We are absolutely, positively, blown-away by their creations. Not only is the jacket everything that we wanted, it is exactly what we wanted. They were able to take hours of fashion-gibberish and make it materialize. The jacket fit like a glove, hugging where it should, and falling properly where it needed to. The shirt turned out to be the ideal complement to jacket, with a collar that worked perfectly with the jacket collar, making it look as if the two were made for each other, and ultimately crafted for the wearer. We cannot convey to you how happy we are with the Astor & Black experience. Of course their threads come at a cost, but with prices that are comparable with those of their competitors, and actually less than the high-end guys, we cannot think of why you should either ever buy a shirt/suit/jacket off the rack, or even experiment with any other clothier. Astor & Black is the company that makes the clothes that you’ve always wanted, but never had the chance to experience. In the spirit of Nike, just do it!
PS Be sure to ask for Berel, he truly is a clothing genius!
There’s something to be said for having a complete kitchen. Now, some may define the complete kitchen as one that has matching silverware and plates, but we think that’s pretty much a collegiate level answer. You can kick it up to grad-school level if you also have matching cups and cutlery, or even junior associate level if you have separate water and bar glasses. But, to really say that you’ve completed your kitchen, you need to have appliances, and in our humble honest opinion, nothing says “finito” like a stand mixer!
You see, we don’t expect you to know how, when, why to use a mixer, but we know that when you bring a girl back to your pad (or guy, depending on your preference), that a mixer on the counter exudes an element of sophistication. For example, it subtly states that you know that a soufflé is folded and not beaten (although I doubt you use a mixer to make a soufflé). A mixer on the counter says that you know that the best cookies are those made from scratch- mostly because there is ample batter to eat. And a mixer on the counter says that you know how to make your grandmother’s famous matzah balls (by mixing together a bunch of crap, making a mess, and then placing an order at 2nd Avenue Deli). You get our drift—you need a mixer!
So, with so many to choose from, and bonuses being so small, which one do you get? Do you go for the top of the line in hopes that you’ll one night take home the next Top Chef? Or, do you go for the middle of the road, preferably one on sale, where you’ll get a ton of bang for your buck without breaking the bank? We vote the later. Which is why, we’re advocating for the newly released KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer.
This whirring wonder packs a stunning 325 watts of raw mixing power- making the toughest dough look like play-dough and weakest of egg whites look like the world’s fluffiest creation. The mixer features a flat beater for batter, hamburger, and other hard to beat concoctions; a wire for whipping egg whites, mayonnaise, and other fluff-worthy creations; and a hook for your favorite yeasty products. In addition, it features an idiot-proof pouring shield to ensure you don’t destroy your kitchen as you add your ingredients, and the bowl locks in place to keep it from sliding away during the high-power mixing action. Taken together, it’s the riding lawn mower of the kitchen!
In conclusion, while you may not cook, you’ll likely find (or look for) someone who does. And with all this rainy weather, nothing is more fun than a cooking date where you both get a little schmutzy while filling your bellies. So, take the plunge, take advantage of this ridiculous sale, and get yourself the KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer! We know that you’ll thank us for it!
In thinking of a great gift for both dads and grads, there’s really nothing better than a pair of custom cufflinks. Sure, you could go balls out and get a pair of uber exclusive cufflinks, but in the end of the day, giving a customized gift shows that you’re willing to go the extra mile. So, in breaking from Spungle tradition, here are TWO recommendations:
For dads-to-be, nothing says you’re a proud sperm donor (or ineffective condom user) like a pair of ultrasound cufflinks. At $65 bucks a pair, you can sport your baby’s profile on your wrists and spur tons of conversation at the water cooler about your baby-mama-drama. Unfortunately, it does take 3 weeks for them to be made, so we recommend using your 18-week anatomy scan, otherwise the little tyke might be born before you even rock them.
For non-dads, dads, grads or everyone else, we are huge fans of monogrammed cufflinks. In this economy you really don’t want to rock precious stones as you’re getting your ass fired, and in the event that you have to initial legal papers, you can just look at your wrists for a clue as to what to write. These cufflinks by Shapeways are subtle, sturdy, and affordable. They only take 21 business days to be manufactured and surely to become treasured heirlooms.
So, if you’re anxiously chomping at the bit in hunt of a gift, place an order for a set of custom links and give Dad or that grad an IOU telling him that his wrist-rocks are on the way.
While we tend to focus our site on luxury products and services, we are cognizant of the fact that our readers are “average Joes,” too! (but, not Joe, the plumber) So, when we stumbled upon Poof, we felt that it was our responsibility to introduce this product to the masses- not just for the benefit of our 150,000+ readers, but for the benefit of everyone around them!
Poof is magic in a bottle. To quote their site, “It’s five minutes until your 9:00 a.m. board meeting. The coffee [obviously not Nespresso ] you had to wake you up starts to churn. You enter the restroom and see a bunch of your co-workers gabbing. What do you do?
Poof it! Just a few drops of this liquid deodorizer in the toilet water and a translucent seal traps your odors in the water, releasing a refreshing scent of Japanese Mint to fill the air! Created for the sophisticated and bathroom conscious, Poof is packaged in an appealing yet discreet bottle that easily slips into your purse, pocket, or the palm of your hand.”
Now, while we’d like to say that our excrement doesn’t stink, we all know that early morning coffee, after a night of cheap Chinese and boozing can take its toll. We found that Poof not only stood up to its claims of leaving the air “poop-less,” but that one bottle was able to last for an incredibly long time. This is the perfect solution for the next time you have to sleep at your girlfriend’s place, go to visit her family, or have to run a 7am meeting after taking clients out the night before. So, if you’re a little concerned about the freshness of the air after you do your “duty,” then pocket some Poof and protect your reputation (and the wallpaper); we know that you and your co-workers will appreciate it!
While nothing is more fun than a tin of Jiffy Pop over the BBQ on warm summer night, it kind of sucks to be the one to stand in the rain over a BBQ to just have popcorn on a rainy movie night. And while you could probably make the Jiffy Pop in the kitchen over the range, we all know that the popcorn really doesn’t taste that good, and the fun is the nearly bursting aluminum tin on the BBQ as everyone watches in awe (and fear that you won’t take it off in time). So, in the event that your stuck in your share house on a rainy night, we’d like to suggest an easier, cleanier, and probably healthier option, the Catamount Microwave Popcorn Popper.
The Popper is made from laboratory quality glass, and is 100% idiot proof (both in making the popcorn and in being the dumb-ass that drops the Popper). All you have to do is fill the bottom of the Popper with a single layer of kernels, add the butter to the melting lid, place the Popper in the microwave, put it on high for 3 minutes, and then salt and serve. EASY! Now, if you want to get creative, after making the popcorn, you can flavor it with spices, sugar, cinnamon and the list goes on and on. In fact, we actually made dill-infused butter, and then salted it with garlic and hot-pepper. Talk about some flavorful popcorn! So, in the event that it’s raining, and you still want to salvage the night, be sure to have a Catamount Microwave Popcorn Popper in the cupboard- it really is a true summer necessity!
In keeping with the theme of uncluttered weekend bags, we think we have found a new summer necessity, Leatherman Freestyle CX. This handheld wonder tool features not only an ever useful (and incredibly sharp) locking pocketknife, but also needlenose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, and hard-wire cutters. While you may be wondering why you would need pliers, we’d like to remind you that nothing is worse than a rainy night with a dead TV. Now, we’re not saying that you actually will know how to fix a TV just by buying the Freestyle CX, but we do think that you’ll at least stand a chance of saving the day, and helping reconnect the DVD player to the TV with a broken wire by having the CX tucked away in your bag. And, in case you’re still not convinced you need it, did we happen to mention that it has a belt clip—who doesn’t love stuff on his belt!?!
Let it be known, we’re boat-shoe addicts. There’s something about the ease of how they just slip on, on their versatility being perfect with shorts, jeans, slacks, and their ability to take a beating and look the better for it. Best of all, they are summer! Nothing screams summer like sockless summer nights and your favorite boat shoes. Given the aforementioned, you can imagine our excitement when we stumbled upon one of Sperry’s greatest creations, the Limited Edition Authentic Original Boat Shoe.
This fine suede creation is beautifully hand-sewn and features Tru-Moc construction for durable comfort. The supple leather is stain and water resistant making it ideal for whatever weather you encounter, and the rubber outsole has razor-cut “Wave Siping” technology to make sure that you don’t slip as you dodge the deluge. Taken together, this is not just a fine looking shoe, it is a phenomenal summer shoe for those who don’t want to pack their entire shoe collection, but want to be prepared for any and every summer situation.
While we love the work-wardrobe freedom that summer affords us, we truly despise Mondays. To be honest, there’s nothing worse than having a great, relaxing weekend out east, and having to drag yourself to work on Monday morning pretending that you care about the papers you push and the numbers you crunch. However, just because you’re at work, doesn’t mean that you can’t treat yourself to a little gastronomic solace, to help make the time go by- if possible. As you all know, we’ve been Nespresso fans since the beginning. We’ve loved them since they introduced the Romeo through us, and have always been amazed by their creativity in both machines and coffees. Which is why, you probably aren’t surprised to learn that we are perpetually drooling (and also quite jittery on a caffeine high) over their three new international espresso blends, Indryia from India, Rosabaya de Colombia, and Dulsao do Brasil.
Indriya combines a selection of finest Arabica with a touch of Robusta from India’s major coffee states- Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This southeast blend releases an invigorating aroma that energizes you on a dull Monday and has a flavor of intense espresso that jolts you from your desk. As your palate sores with flavor you notice hints of cocoa, cloves, pepper, and gentle nutmeg. Taken together, it’s a cornucopia of flavor that’s blended to introduce you to your day and get you going at a racing pace.
Rosabaya de Colombia (aka pink-berry from Colombia in Espanol), is made from Columbian Arabicas in the high plateaus of the Cauca and Narino Departments in the south and southwest regions of Columbia. It is described as having a delicate acidity, that is interspersed with notes of wine and fresh fruit. On our sampling, we think the full-bodied fruit hits you first, giving robust open flavors of ripe strawberry, cranberry, red currant and black currant. After finishing the last sip, you’re treated to a long finish that lingers on the palate with a rich berry sweetness and hearty coffee flavor. We believe that this is the ideal mid-day espresso that gives you the caffeine that you need to proceed, but also gives you the sweet treat that you deserve after making it through a Monday morning.
Dulsao do Brasil is crafted from the extremely fragile and uber exclusive Red and Yellow Boubon coffee varieties. These beans are grown in a limited quantity in the coveted hilly Pocos de Caldas region of Braszil. Upon hitting your palate you’ll also appreciate a sweet sense, but drastically different than the coffee above. Instead of berries, you taste hints of fresh nectar, golden honey, pure syrup, and even honeydew. As the flavor explodes in your mouth you then taste the base, a firm cereal/meal flavor with hints of malt. This is the ideal coffee for mid to late afternoon, as you prepare for the final push before you call it a day.
In summary, we are enthralled with these three new coffee blends. Our Nespresso machine has never whirred as often as it has during these taste tests, and we were sad to see the inside of empty sleeves. Indryia from India, Rosabaya de Colombia, and Dulsao do Brasil are truly coffee masterpieces that can definitely be enjoyed any time day/night, but will surely be appreciated as you walk your butt into the office on another dull Monday. Look, what else are you going to get excited about on Monday—the weekend is 4 days away!
When it comes to assembling a summer wardrobe, you have to take a number of variables into account. For example, you don’t want to fill your closet with tons of printed t-shirts, so you buy plain t-shirts, ones that can be worn in the winter under a sweater, or comfortably around the house year round. You don’t want to buy polos in a million-and-one colors, because you 1) honestly don’t look good in every color, 2) are going to fill your closet with shirts that you can only wear for summer and a little spring/fall, 3) can branch out beyond just a polo or t-shirt in the summer. Of course, we could go on and on and on about our gripes and sentiments about summer clothing, but instead, we’ll just tell you what we think you need to have, to not only make sure that you look great, but also so that you don’t waste your time and money on tons of crap. The answer, Barbour Competition Polo, 215gm.
To be blunt, you need this polo, and just this polo. It is made from super soft 100% cotton (215gm), features a generous collar with two buttons, a wonderfully comfortable athletic cut that doesn’t make you look boxy or fat (a feat in itself), side vents that make it look great tucked in or out, and herringbone tape to reinforce the sides and the collar. Taken together, this shirt is THE shirt to beat. Now, of course, we love this polo for all the adjectives and descriptors above, but we also are head-over-heels for it because no one else will be wearing this at your next BBQ. Sure you could sport a horse on your chest, or even pop-the-collar if you want to stand out, but in the end of the day, everyone wears the same thing. Be different, get a polo shirt that will invigorate your wardrobe and also, quite possibly, stir up some conversation and get you noticed. Need any more reasons why to get this?
When it comes to summer drinks, there truly is no other option than a great rosé. Now sure, you could go to the local store and get yourself a bottle of pink wine and sip it with friends, but that’s not really what summer is about. Summer drinking is about being carefree, relieving the stresses of the year, and indulging yourself as your bask in the sun. So, in keeping with the theme of bringing you not only the most exclusive products, but also the most desirable objects, we bring to you the coveted Armand de Brignac Rosé —truly THE drink of Summer 2009.
As we told you back in April, Armand de Brignac is taking the champagne-world by storm. Their uber-exclusive champagne is rarely in stock, even at its high-end price range. The quality and character of their champagne has been said to rival the great labels (Veuve Clicquot, Dom Pérignon, Cristal), while their bottle and it’s presentation puts them in a class of their own. And when it comes to the Armand de Brignac rosé, this champagne epitomizes summer exclusivity. It not only comes at a steep price ($400+), it comes filled with wonderful flavor. The champagne is a blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier; making for a flavor-forward bouquet that blossoms on your pallet and leaves you with notes of strawberry and black currants. It truly tastes like no other champagne we have had before, and we were greatly disappointed that it is only a 750ml bottle.
So, if you’re looking to blow the top off your first summer party, then you really have no other option than the Armand de Brignac Rosé. It is a champagne that was designed for celebration and is perfectly suited for Summer 2009!
What better way to kick-off Summer 2009 than with a brand-new pair of kicks! You see, your summer sneaker has to meet a number of criteria. It first and foremost has to be comfortable; so, all those clunky shoes are out. Second, it has to be lightweight; which means that anything that is made from leather or is bigger than a low-cut shoe is out, too. Third, it has to scream summer! After hunting for way too long for a shoe that meets those three criteria, we found and instantly fell in love with the Pro-Keds Royal Lo Canvas sneaker!
This fine looking shoe is extremely lightweight and made from a durable yet breathable canvas. The moldable rubber sole affords you superb comfort and the reinforced rubberized toe protects your toes as you gallivant from event to event. Most importantly, this classic white summer shoe looks absolutely awesome with a pair of shorts, jeans, or slacks. We really cannot think of an outfit that would not look great with these kicks! So, as you start to build your Summer 2009 wardrobe, we recommend you start from the bottom up, and get yourself a pair of these fabulous shoes. These shoes are Summer 2009!
After a short reprieve, we're now well-rested and super-charged for Summer 2009! Over the last month, we found hundreds of products and services to feature, and sorted out the very best. So, go get a cup of coffee, call your friends, and let them know that Spungle is back-in-business, and going to blow you away with some outstanding reviews!
In a time when you have no choice but to put your best foot forward, you cannot risk having a single hair out of place. Sure you could slop your head with gobs and gobs of hair goo, or you could actually display an element of class, and carry a proper comb like a well refined man. While we do not support killing pachyderms to make combs and pianos, we do not see anything wrong with using modern chemistry to create high quality resins that just happen to remember ivory. As such, the Mock Ivory Comb by Penhaligon's is truly the gentleman’s accessory. It is only 8” which means it fits perfectly in your briefcase (and please tell us you’re using a briefcase), and has not only a great look, but also a great feel. It glides seamlessly through even the most tangled of doos, and has lasted our relentless daily torture. So, if you’re looking to put your hairs in place before you walk into that next business meeting, then look no further than this fine wanna-be ivory comb!
We recently went to a NYC benefit and realized that everyone dressed the same. Sure, there was variety in the tuxedo styles, but for the most part, people all looked uniform from a distance. However, when we sat down at our table of eclectic NYC minds, we realized that the tuxedo actually does lend itself to creativity, specifically in the accessories. So, we took a perusal of what was being flashed and flaunted, and absolutely fell in love with a pair of cufflinks. In fact, for the first time in a long time, we are openly admitting that someone else saw these cufflinks first, but just have to admit that they are too cool to keep to ourselves. So, without further ado, meet the Bulldog Cufflinks by Dunhill.
These uber-cool sleeve accoutrements are handcrafted from sterling silver and are approximately an inch in diameter. Thanks to a gentle curve in the post, these little puppies sit perfectly flat on your cuff, displaying your coolness to all those around. In addition, they have an easy to manage swivel back that makes them easy to put on / take off, which makes them easy to pass around and flaunt. To say that we’re hot for these cufflinks is an absolute understatement—these are must haves for the summer season of benefits; screw the recession!
With Spring ’09 officially in full force, we’re not too far away from weekends in the country. And while we all realize that the schlep “out of town” involves bringing not only clothes, but also food and other goodies, we are well aware that just because you’re “schlepping,” you don’t have to look like a “schlepper.” So, we’ve gone hunting high-and-low for our favorite weekend luggage items, and will bring those to you over the next few weeks. To start, we’re going to introduce you to our favorite tote, the Filson Tin Cloth Tote.
This durable, yet stylish bag is made from Filson’s renowned tin cloth and features a nylon taffeta lining. In addition, the straps are made from light and comfortable cotton webbing, making this an extremely lightweight and manageable tote. While we’re not always the biggest fan of the tote because of the threat of rain, we realize that sometimes you just need a bag that can hold a baguet and a couple of cans of soup. So, if you’re looking to tote as you schlep, then look no further than this extremely affordable tote from our friends at Filson.
As you know, iPod speaker docks are a dime a dozen. You can waste hours upon hours comparing different styles and features. So, in an attempt to save you from this horribly mundane task, we perused the current list of “hot docks,” and found what we believe to be the most bang for the buck, the Altec Lansing inMotion iM600.
This sleek speaker system features a great compact design while packing in a whole slew of functions. This acoustically well-balanced dock not only does justice to your jazz collection, but also features video output, auxiliary input, a full functioning remote control, and an FM radio. In addition, as opposed to many of its competitors, it actually has respectable battery time; with the average charge lasting 5+hrs of continuous playback. Taken together, this little package packs a whole lot of punch, and definitely keeps you bopping to your favorite beats for hours upon hours.
When it comes to handcrafted mobile phone cases, we’ve always turned to Vaja. Their styling and quality manufacturing puts them in a category that is scores above the rest. This is why we were eager to protect our beloved Blackberry Bold with the new Balance by Vaja. This leather beauty has an extremely sleek design and smooth leather finish. We love the low-profile design and, of course, are huge fans of the optional ultraclip. Although it takes time for your case to make it all the way up from Argentina, there’s something to be said for a custom case that can be personalized with text/graphics and is available in a palette of colors. So, if you’re looking to make some folks jealous the next time you slap your phone on the table, then be sure to order yourself a Balance before everyone reads this review!
Sometimes it’s just hard to find the right shirt for the night. You have tons of button-downs but they all sorta look the same. Some with big collars, some with small collars, some need collar-stays, but when it comes down to it, they pretty all can be worn at work and then reused for a night on the town. That’s why we went searching for a new take on the “going out” shirt and are pleased with our find, the Phillips Woven Shirt by Ever.
This simple, cotton, oxford woven shirt features a simple, clean design, a mid-width collar that does not need collar-stays, a spot of pizzazz on the shoulders with the addition of epaulettes. The shirt is cut short enough that it doesn’t need to be tucked if you’re feeling a little wild, but is long enough to be tucked if you need to clean-up your act. All in all, it’s a shirt that is 100% not for work, and designed for 100% fun. So, why not add a little fashion to your spring wardrobe and pick-up this extremely affordable and great looking shirt? We know you’re going to love it!
After finding out that the Perfect Pushup wasn’t that unique of a find and that our readers had been using them for quite some time, we started looking for other home “workout stuff.” We learned that you can do a million and one things with doorknobs, door-jams, and other home installations. In thinking about how we could maximize the utility of our precious NYC space, we investigated the current market of home work-out equipment and found out that the manufacturers of the Perfect Pushup actually make a wonderful counterpart called the Perfect Pullup!
This easy to install contraption fits any doorframe from 27” to 36” wide and can be setup/taken-down in a manner of seconds. The kit features the pullup bar, 2 swing arms, 2 rotating handles, and an instructional manual (thankfully). After using this setup for literally just a few days, we found that we were not only able to get a great workout in the comfort of our office, but that we were also becoming incredibly sore. These pull-ups are rough! According to the site, the Perfect Pullup lets you do an innumerable number of painful exercises including but not limited to Australian Pullups and Standing Rows. We’re still not really sure why this isn’t called the Painful Pullup, but we do believe that if the mantra of “No Pain, No Gain” holds true, that this setup is sure to give you a ton of gain!
While some would argue that loafers have replaced the old-fashioned “lace-ups” of yester-years, we think that the ubiquity of loafers has gone too far. In fact, we openly admit that we miss toggled shoes, which seem to have gone by the wayside with laced shoes. So, in an attempt to reconnect with our bar-mitzvah era shoes, we went hunting for hot “toggles” for Spring '09, and happily found the Sperry Gold Cup Toggle!
This fine looking shoe takes a new twist on the classic toggle by featuring a single functional pull-through for the laces. As opposed to tying your loafers (which is sooo 2008), with these bad-boys you just slip your foot in and zip that toggle up. In addition to being incredibly fashionable, they also are unbelievably comfortable! They are lined in uber-plush deerskin, feature “Memory-Foam” to contour your foot, have an EVA cushion midsole, and have “Vibram non-marking rubber outsole pads with Wave-Siping for Ultimate Wet / Dry Traction.” Taken together, this is the perfect shoe for Spring ‘09 for when you want something classically comfortable for the office, and simply perfect for a weekend get together.
When it comes to spring fashion, we always find ourselves at an interesting crossroad. One part of us wants to zip right to the summer collection and bring out the bright colors, cotton blends, and warm weather accoutrements. The other part of us realizes that spring in NYC is totally unpredictable and that it would be unwise to put the winter attire into storage. So, in an attempt to spruce up the wardrobe, yet prepare for mildly, crappy weather, we went hunting for the perfect spring coat, and happily stumbled upon the Flyweight Chelsea Quilted Jacket from one of our favorite haberdasheries, Barbour.
This update to the classic Barbour line of quilted jackets features a front zip with the classic Barbour pull under a studded front flap, a funnel collar, studded pocket flaps, and a great zipped pocket that’s perfect for your Blackberry. As opposed to many other Barbour products that feature the classic box-esque British cut, this great jacket has a great trim profile that is accentuated by adjustable studded waist tabs. It truly is the profile of this jacket that makes it perfect over your suit or over your blazer on your way out for the night. And, as the weather warms up, it’s perfect over a simple tee for a casual yet chic urban look.
Although we love going to the gym, we openly admit that we don’t get to go as often as we’d like. And while we are committed to having a totally healthy lifestyle (eating right, drinking in moderation, wearing only fashionable clothing, etc.), we realize that some days we think that skipping the gym is simply unacceptable. This is why we went hunting for home “alternative” workout options. We tried a number of different crunchers, pushers, and pullers, and were less than thrilled with all of them. Then, one day, while carelessly flipping through the pages of some random men’s magazine we stumbled upon the Perfect Pushup. We figured that these rotating handles were just another gimmick, like all the other crap we had tested. But, being that we were desperate to find a product to feature, we decided to give them a try. Well folks, we’re to say that not only are these absolutely positively not crap, that these little handles are the secret to a powerhouse workout! After just a few weeks of these simple wonders, we have found ourselves in excellent shape—we’re building muscle, toning up, and getting ready for a big time summer!
“The Perfect Pushup was developed by a US Navy SEAL using the latest in biomechanics and engineering to help you achieve better results from your pushup workouts. Smooth rotating handles accelerate results by engaging more muscles in the arms, chest, shoulders, and back. It also helps reduce strain on wrists and elbows, and helps to stabilize and strengthen the shoulder joint.
You will notice the comfort and effectiveness of the Perfect Pushup on the very first try! The Perfect Pushup units have comfortable rubberized grips, stable 8" bases with rubber bottoms, and smooth, long lasting steel ball bearing rotational systems.”
Now, being that we became nearly instantly addicted to these handles, we were torn about what we needed to take out of our luggage so that we could bring these handles on our road-trips. Well, thankfully we perused their website before deciding to ditch a pair of shoes, because the geniuses behind the Perfect Pushup, also make an awesome on-the-go set, called the Mobile Unit.
“Perfect Pushup Mobile Unit uses the latest advances in biomechanics and engineering to give you better results faster. Each handle snaps securely into a non-slip base and stows in a zippered neoprene case that's compact and easy to stash in your briefcase, backpack, or office drawer.”
So, if you’re looking to bulk up, tone up, and make your girlfriend shut (about your gut, etc..), then look no further than the Perfect Pushup. We guarantee that after a few short weeks that you will be absolutely hooked, and craving for harder, longer workouts—and we also guarantee that you’ll be leaps and bounds closer to that body that you want for Summer 2009!
When it comes to men’s pants, we’re head-over-heels for Bonobos. There’s something about the way that they fit (perfectly), the way that they wear (like iron), and the way that they feel (amazing), that makes us crave their pants. This is why we couldn’t help but be a giant bunch of dorks and feature these rad pants for St. Patty’s Day-- the famed Seamus McFlys by Bonobos.
Look, if we trust our butts in Bonobos, don’t you think should trust your St Patty’s Day tuchas in a pair of these mean, green, Irish-esque, corduroy dreams?
Although it’s March, we still have some chilly days ahead of us. And while you could always “layer it up” to stay warm, we’ve come to realize that “de-layering” is a process that clutters prime closet real estate. So, we went hunting for a warm yet lightweight late-winter / early-spring jacket, and happily found the Nitrous Jacket from our friends at Mountain Hardwear.
Featuring a futuristic design, created from their proprietary EcoSensor Ripstop material, and graciously stuffed with 800-Fill Goose Down, this gorgeous jacket weighs in at whopping 11oz or a measly 350grams!
Remember, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb- get this jacket and be ready to fight the lion head-on as you schlep to and from work!
Being that we not only bounce around from meeting to meeting, but also from city to city, we are always in need of a small handy pen. Sure we’ve done the expensive “wow” pen that looks great in your pocket and costs $10 a month on refills, but we’re in a recession kids, and we have to play the part. So, in an attempt to live the Boy Scout Motto of “Be Prepared,” we went hunting for the perfect pocket pen and fell in love with the Lamy Pico.
This tiny bullet of a pen goes from pocket-sized to full-size with one swift motion. Upon extending the shaft, the ballpoint tip is exposed and you are prepared to sign your life (and your receipts) away. Once you’re done, a gentle push on the back of the pen easily closes the shaft, and it’s ready to go back in your pocket where it belongs. Just think, not only can you whip out your own pen next time you’re asked to sign a document, but you can make quite the gesture by closing your pen and putting it back into that tiny pocket in your jeans. This really is the last pen you’ll need!
While we like to be always ready to take a photo with our point-and-shoot camera, we typically find ourselves frustrated with the fact that we don’t have all the features that we’ve come to love from our full-sized DSLRs. However, as technology has advanced, and circuitry/sensors have shrunk, we have begun to become pleasantly surprised by what can fit in the palm of your hand. Case in point, the new Casio Exilim EX-FC100; a camera that offers “offer a high-speed 30 shot-per-second burst rate and high-speed movies at a maximum of 1000 fps.” Simply, unbelievable!
We started playing around with this camera just after it was released at CES, and we must admit that we are pleasantly surprised! Although it is not as small as many of the other models in the Exilim line of cameras, we found that the extra few millimeters of girth were quickly forgotten when we found ourselves scrolling through tons of functions. Here are some of the highlights courtesy of Casio’s press [modified] release:
30 shot-per-second high-speed burst shooting ensures that every crucial moments is captured The FC100 can take up to 30 shots per second of high-resolution 6.0-megapixel images. What’s more, it can save up to 25 frames prior to the instant that the shutter button is actually pressed, so even if the user hits the shutter a bit late, that special moment will not be missed. The number of shots per second can be set at 30, 15, 10, 5, 3 or auto, and the user can set the total number of shots in one burst at 30, 20, 10 or 5.
Easy, convenient functions make the most of high-speed burst shooting. This camera can automatically record just the best of the images captured in a high-speed burst. Also, a number of images from a burst can be combined into a single image. It is this high-speed burst capability that offers the functionality for easily creating photos precisely in accordance with the wishes of the user. After taking a set of shots, there is no need to go to the trouble of manually selecting the best one.
Slow Motion View By pressing a dedicated button during shooting, it is possible to view the movement of the subject in slow motion on the LCD monitor. The user can press the shutter while viewing the LCD monitor, selecting the perfect moment to capture from a scene that looks as if time has been slowed down.
High-Speed Anti-Shake and High-Speed Night Scene functions These functions work because the camera can combine a number of images taken in burst mode, and then align the position of the subject to form a single shot. This means that, even without a tripod, zoom photography and night shots are beautifully rendered, virtually making photo blur a thing of the past.
High-Speed Best Selection To ensure that a natural, fleeting smile is captured, this camera can automatically select the best image from a set of images taken in burst mode, with the subject smiling, with no photo blur, and with the subject’s eyes open. The best image will be saved.
Lag Correction The FC-100 can make it possible to set in advance the time lag between the moment that the user wants to capture and the actual time of taking the picture. This way, it is possible to capture that precious instant at any time, with minimal lag. This works because the camera selects from the images it temporarily stores in its burst mode, buffers the one image that was taken at the specified interval prior to the shutter being released, and just that image is saved.
High-Speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps The camera has a high-speed movie function that can record motion that is ordinarily too fast for the human eye to see, and then play it back in ultra-slow motion. The frame rate can be set at 1000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps. Also, even while recording a movie clip at the standard speed (30 fps), by pressing a single button the frame rate can be changed to the 210 fps high-speed mode.
HD Movie Function The HD Movie function will record beautiful videos at a size of 1280x720 pixels. Also, pressing the dedicated photo button while shooting an HD movie clip will capture a 6.0-megapixel still image.
So, as you can see, this ain’t your standard point-and-shoot. The FC-100 truly is a behemoth of a camera in a pocket-sized package. What’s more, this camera is a fraction of the price of a DSLR. Well, what are you waiting for? Pick one up here before they’re on back-order; we suspect that this will be the camera of 2009 to beat!
Despite being in a recession, we are always on the hunt for the best luxury products. Recently we had the extreme pleasure of sampling the coveted Armand de Brignac Brut Gold Champagne and were absolutely blown away. This champagne affords you an experience like you have never had before!
For starters, the Armand de Brignac Brut Gold is presented in a gold-plated bottle with a pewter crest and set inside a beautiful laquered box. As per their site, “Armand de Brignac's unmistakable gold-plated bottle has its roots in the French fashion industry and its reputation for opulence. Originally conceived by the celebrated Andre Courreges fashion house, the striking bottle is decorated at a single site in France's Cognac region and is fitted with four pewter labels that are hand-applied to the surface of the bottle.”
Next, once you open the bottle with that distinct champagne “pop” that we’ve all come to love, the room is quickly filled with a cornucopia of floral aromas. Being that the Brut Gold cuvée is a blend of Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay, the flavor is unparallel with any other champagne we have tried before. In fact, we would argue that it is reminiscent of Krug's Grande Cuvée yet full-flavored like Mumm's (Napa) Cuvée. The floral accents are definitely flavor-forward, while the body has warm, fruit accents that are liberated by the effervescence. Ultimately, you are left with a very clean palette and hints of minerals and earthy green flavors.
In summary, the Armand de Brignac experience is the true definition of luxury. From the sheer beauty of the bottle’s presentation, to the complexity of its flavor, to the exclusivity of this brand, we cannot think of a finer champagne for your next celebration. So, save up a few bucks, splurge on Armand de Brignac, and enjoy your champagne-induced amnesia of this current recession. We guarantee it will be nothing shy of phenomenal!
While it may seem odd for us to be reviewing a flashlight, we go on enough travel adventures (ski trips, Hampton houses, Fire Island houses, etc.) that a flashlight always comes in handy. So, we went hunting for what we could call the best pocket flashlight, and were pleasantly surprised by the Novatac EDC 120E.
According to Novatac’s site, “The EDC (Every-Day-Carry) Flashlight is designed to meet the rigorous reliability and durability requirements of Firefighting, Public Safety, First Responder and civilian personnel. Available with 120 Lumen maximum brightness, the system surpasses most performance requirements. Its 1x3 inch, 3.1 ounce, and virtually indestructible design provides the user with the ultimate solution to most any lighting requirement. The EDC-120 intelligent power supply automatically reduces output to preserve the battery as it starts to run down, reducing the risk that the user will ever be left in the dark. Standard extended button and pre-programmed with three brightness levels and Emergency strobe, the EDC can be adjusted to suit the situation or to conserve power.”
This pocket-sized wonder out-performed every flashlight we tried. Not only did it last longer, but it was lighter, brighter, and easier to use. Furthermore, since we typically need a light with us when we least expect it, by having something small enough to fit in a briefcase or a carry-on, we can ensure that we will never be left in the dark. So, if you’re looking to brighten someone’s day (or night), then look no further than the Novatac EDC 120E.- it really outshines the competition!
We’ll start by saying that one of us claims to have had the same “perfect hoodie” since 1998. It was a blue reversible Dolce and Gabbana Sport hoodie that featured loose pockets and a big, wide zipper. Over 10 years it was paired with jeans, slacks, shorts, t-shirts, button-downs, and seen at almost any and every venue from Montauk to Manhattan. However, due to an unhealthy obsession with keeping it clean, it started to fall apart from too many washes, and as such, its owner was left hoodie-less for months. All of that changed when we stumbled upon the Ever Hoodie.
So, in case you’re not “getting” what’s so special about a hooded sweatshirt, let's take you through the Ever Hoodie and show you why it is quite possibly our “newest perfect hoodie.” For starters, the outer is constructed from 100% cotton fleece. This affords the wearer an extremely soft and relaxed outer-part that not only looks great, but feels great, too. The inside, which is what quite possibly makes this hoodie so damn fabulous, is that it is lined in 100% cotton thermal. Taken together, you have a medium weight hoodie that is extremely warm. Furthermore, it is incredibly soft and relaxed—making it perfect with just a t-shirt, layered over a button-down, or even under a blazer or outer jacket.
In addition to being warm and soft (which by the way, seems to conjure up thoughts of a Snuggie), this hoodie is fantastically fashionable. The length is short enough that it looks great with hip-hugging jeans, but also long enough that it won’t reveal plumber's crack! The draw-strings are the perfect width such that they do not detract from the sweatshirt, but also don’t warrant being removed; in addition they are adorned with copper tips making for a nice plus.
Lastly, and most importantly, the hoodie features big, deep pockets. Not only can you store a ton of crap in them, you can quite possibly spend a day in your hoodie and a bathing suit not worrying about holding your wallet/keys/phone/etc.
So, if you’re as neurotic about your clothes as we are, and really want to add something to your wardrobe that you are guaranteed to love for seasons and years to come, then look no further than the Ever Hoodie. To say that this is the perfect hoodie, might even be an understatement!
In weather like this it’s hard to think about summer attire. In fact, we would argue that when it’s this cold, summer footwear is probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, our favorite summer shoe manufacturer, Sperry Topside, has been hard at work making tons and tons of styles that not only are perfectly designed for careless summer days, but also for the harsh reality of winter in the city. Case in point, the men’s Gold Driver Penny Loafer!
This fine looking shoe is made from butter-soft, supple hand-sewn leather. It is treated with a stain and water resistant coating to ensure that it survives your worst walking commutes, and even sports 18k gold plated eyelets that will not corrode even under the saltiest treks to work. And while these shoes are absolutely beautiful and perfectly suited for a sockless, warm, summer day, they are as sharp as you can get even in the coldest of conditions when accented with a pair of your favorite argyles.
Now, while we would all agree that this shoe is a damn good looking shoe, the strength of this shoe is not in its unbelievable construction (Vibram soles, water-coating, etc.); it is in the wearer’s experience. When we first slipped our foot into this leather beauty, we were absolutely dumbfounded. The fit bordered on that of a slipper and the sound that was uttered was something that could be likened to a protracted “ahhhhhh.” The surreal comfort of this shoe is in part due to its genuine, deerskin lining, and its triple density footbead with memory foam. To be honest, we really don’t care why this shoe feels so good; we just absolutely are in love with these shoes! So, if you’re looking to spruce up your shoe collection, and follow the lead of Puxatony Phil, then look no further than the unbelievably comfortable year-round men’s Gold Driver Penny Loafer by Sperry!
As you can imagine, we personify the definition of technophile. We interdigitate technology into every aspect of our lives; from the moment we get up (alarm clock on our phone), to our first email, to a quick reminder email before we go to sleep. Without email we would not only be absolutely bored, we’d be sunk! Which is why on this day before Valentine’s Day, when people are hurrying around to find a last minute gift, we would like to remind you of the Peek.
When we first got word of Peek last year, we didn’t get it. We didn’t understand why anyone would want a budget device for his daily mobile email. However, after asking friends and family about their take on the device, we quickly realized that not everyone needs all the bells and whistles. In fact, we learned that most people just want to receive their email in an easy-to-use, easy-to-read format without tons of keystrokes and menus to peruse. So, in an attempt to fulfill our inner-curiosity about no-frills email machines and also better understand what makes something the product of the year, we got our hands on a Peek.
For starters, Peek is idiot proof. It works with most major email accounts (AOL, GMail, Yahoo), and only requires that you to enter your username and password to get started. After that, you’re all setup and ready to go (provided you've paid your $20/month for unlimited email and text). After banging away a few emails from the well-designed and extremely comfortable keyboard, we quickly realized that this device had some great utility for us email addicts. Sure, it doesn’t have a camera, a serious OS, or a bunch of 3rd party applications; but it does let you stay in touch with your contacts and drop an email at a moment’s notice.
When comparing the Peek to our favorite email machine (Blackberry Bold), you realize that the Peek which is 1/10 the price of the Bold without a contract ($50 vs $500), has the same size keyboard, similar sized screen, and about the same thickness. Sure the Bold can do tons and tons more than the Peek, but you buy the Peek because you want it to just do email (and maybe a text or two), nothing more. And an interesting twist, we found that the Peek was actually able to outlast the Bold on battery power; granted the Bold is on 3G and is running a ton more stuff behind the scenes, but when it came to pounding out an email, the Peek got it done long after the Bold was in need of another zap.
We feel that the Peek is the perfect device for the email-savy person who loves his cellphone and can’t be bothered with a smartphone. The Peek handles email beautifully and its form-factor complements the user experience. So, if you’re desperately looking for a gift for your favorite technophile, or you just want to be able to keep in touch with your beloved technophile, pick up a Peek or two. They’re cheap, they’re fun, and most importantly, they get the job done!
Although the days are slowly growing longer, it’s still dark as anything when you wake up in the morning. And even if you have good lighting, your mind is probably a little foggy with quasi-awake dreams of sugarplum fairies still dancing through your cerebrum. So, if you combine mental dullness with suboptimal lighting, you are perfectly setup to make one of the worst mistakes of the day—picking the wrong tie! So many times we see men in perfectly tailored suits, with impeccably ironed custom shirts, sporting G-d awful neckwear. Now, you could probably avoid this common calamity by either picking out your outfit before you go to sleep, or restocking your closet with a selection of Vittorio J ties—our new favorite neckwear design-house.
When we first opened the uber-lux box from Vittorio J, we didn’t know what to expect. We’ve sampled tons of ties before, and have always been moderately impressed that craftsmen are able to turn supple silks into critically important dress-wear. However, when we caught our first glimpse of these woven-beauties, we knew these weren’t your daddy’s ties!
What sets Vittorio J apart from other manufacturers is the commitment to using only rich full-thickness woven silk that not only holds a beautiful knot, but also flows with your body. In their reincarnation of the classic American business outfit, they have gone away from the slender wimpy ties that you see on 5th Avenue, and instead embraced the European standard of a full-body thickness that not only providers the wearer with an austere knot, but also with a substantial amount of “show” under the suit jacket. Taken together, their ties become the centerpiece of your outfit, allowing you to introduce style and variety into your collection of suits, by simply just changing your ties.
However, in taking this all into account, what really sets these ties apart from all their competitors is that these ties are made to last. They are thick; they are heavy; and their designs are all classics; you can wear a Vittorio J at your next night at the Met, tomorrow morning in the office, or even at Merkato 55 this weekend. Trust us, if you’re stuck on what to get your loved one for V-Day, look no further than a Vitorrio J tie. But, just be forewarned, that by giving him such a classic tie he might get the wrong impression- because this tie is designed to last, and he might think that you think your relationship is going to last too!
While some may argue that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, we strongly believe that men are highly complex creatures, and as such, the best way to seduce a man is to intrigue his nervous system. Which is why this next gift, the Vibe II by V-Moda, is the perfect acoustic nerve stimulator for that discriminating gift-recipient who claims to have anything and everything he ever wanted.
We’ll start by saying that we’re HUGE V-Moda fans. A few months back we had the extreme fortune of reviewing V-Moda Vibe Duo. We absolutely fell in love with these earphones after one guitar rip and head-thumping beat. And, after sporting these little-wonders for the last few months, we really thought that the mobile audio experience couldn’t get any better. Boy were we wrong! Once we put the Vibe II to the test, our wildest acoustic desires were satiated and we were in audiophilic bliss!
According to their site, “V-MODA’s Vibe II with Microphone is a distinct sensory experience of design and acoustic excellence. The pinnacle in quality construction, the revolutionary stainless steel alloy headphones/headset feature compatibility with the iPhone and iPod. One of the first in consumer electronics to use its unique metal manufacturing process, Vibe II with Microphone has a solid and substantial tactual sensation comparable to fine jewelry. The jewelry-like design incorporates a discrete microphone that blends seamlessly with a Kevlar reinforced woven fabric cable and a convenient call/music control feature that allows you to effortlessly switch between carrying on phone conversations and enjoying your music library. The newly fabricated plug features a 45-degree flexible design to allow an optimal range of motion while maintaining a sleek, sturdy metallic core and 24-carat gold-plated plug.
Featuring V-MODA’s world renowned organic signature sound, Vibe II with Microphone houses an all new V-MASQUE dynamic driver which boasts an unparalleled high-definition, 3D soundstage, invoking the sense of a live music experience through its vibrant bass, vivid mid-range, and vivacious highs.
Ergonomically designed for the most active lifestyle, the Vibe II with Microphone is accompanied by four sizes of medical-grade silicone fittings that enable the BLISS noise-isolating technology, and detachable sport earhooks featuring ACTIVE FLEX technology for a comfortable and secure fit.”
In looking back upon our fantabulous (fantastic mixed with a healthy dose of fabulous) V-Moda experiences, we’ve come to realize that this relatively new company has hit two home-runs with their aesthetically and acoustically designed earphones. The Vibe Duo was a great warm-up in what was in store for the Vibe II.
In summary, when looking to please that special someone, start at the top—the ears! We guarantee after just one song he will practically glue these buds to his ears, because V-MODA’s Vibe II sound stage is just that amazing! Now, if you’re looking to open dialogue between the two of you, this probably isn’t the best gift…
When it comes to cooking, most men are best at one-step processes—i.e. put meat on grill, take off when burnt. However, when the mercury drops most guys are forced indoors from their charcoal cooking refuges where they are typically banished from attempting to cook in the kitchen. Well, thanks to Le Creuset, the timeless cast-iron cooking geniuses, men now have a proper place in the kitchen- prominently at the only source of open flame in the kitchen, the stove!
Behold the Le Creuset grill. This extremely durable stove-top grill is perfectly designed for those who want to grill their meats/veggies/concoctions in the male one-step cooking process. According to Le Creuset, “cast iron has long been a favorite grilling surface, due to its superior heat retention properties. The raised grill lines ensure maximum contact with food and enable oils and fats to drain away, while creating the all-important fancy searing. This is a must have when entertaining friends.” We think that Le Creuset should also mention that it is loved by men around the world because it is reminiscent of outdoor grilling heaven.
We found the Le Creuset grill to be above and beyond those “lean & mean grilling machines.” For starters, we were not only able to control the heat of the grill; we were able to assess our cooking by visualizing the cooking process; we were able to add on marinades without it running down into a useless catch-basin, and most importantly, we were able to flip our burgers, which is the highlight of grilling. In our side-to-side comparisons to other stove-top grills, we found the Le Creuset grill to outperform EVERY COMPETITOR because of its heating consistency, perfect size when cooking for a family/group, and easy clean-up.
There really is no other option for an indoor grill than the Le Creuset grill. If you’re looking to please your man by giving him what he’s wanted all winter long, or if you’re looking to divide up the cooking responsibility in your house by putting your man to work, then look no further than the Le Creuset grill. We absolutely believe that after one grilling experience that any man will feel fully comfortable in the kitchen—at least one where he can flip burgers on a cast iron grill!
In thinking about the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, you have to think about something that he would want, something that he would use, and something that he would likely not buy for himself. I’m sure you’re thinking that the potential gifts are boundless, but when you’re actually faced with buying something, it’s much more difficult than you would think. This is why we’re devoting the next few days to giving you “perfect gift ideas” to help you one-up with your favorite guy and get on his good side. So, without further ado, we bring you the Victorinox Presentation Pro.
When we first were introduced to the Presentation Pro we were gleefully confused. We thought it was a great idea, but didn’t really “get it.” Why would anyone combine a thumb-drive with a bluetooth remote with a pocketknife? And then, after one simple Friday afternoon presentation to a potential client, we totally fell for the Presentation Pro.
The Presentation Pro is based upon the timeless Victorinox pocketknife frame. It has an easily accessible knife, file, and even sports a key-ring. Now, instead of featuring other tools such as a chainsaw or shotgun or whatever else they’re cramming into Victorinox knives these days, it features “32 GB of storage for your important files and presentations.” Furthermore, this pocket-wonder utilizes “secure data encryption technology allowing you to protect those files since they can only be accessed by recognition of your fingerprint.” This we thought was pretty amazing! Tack on top of that a Bluetooth presentation cue with the remote being housed in the knife, and you have “Swiss Army” take on what the road-warrior needs to keep in his pocket.
We found the Presentation Pro to be incredibly easy to use and perfectly sized. The remote was easy to conceal and was totally non-obtrusive. Now, we must admit that we did not try to bring this aboard an aircraft, but rumors have been leaking, that a blade of this size “may be” acceptable. From our standpoint, $300+ is a lot for a pocketknife- either leave it at home or pack it in some checked luggage—this thing is so amazing, you’d hate to have it confiscated. In conclusion, we’re HUGE fans of the Presentation Pro. It’s an amazing tool for the guy who needs to open presentation materials, file his nails, and pace around a room, all while flipping slides. It’s also a great tool for your favorite tech-junky who probably is drooling over this review and just dreaming about you getting this for him!
Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, we can talk about really important manly things, like Nespresso’s new varietals. This year our well-refined discriminating palettes are being tantalized by a unique Mandarin, a savory Crystallized Ginger, and flavor-forward Caramel.
With one sip Nespresso’s take on Mandarin flavoring, you are immediately transported to a rich citrus grove. This unique blend of Livanto provides you with an awakening yet soothing cornucopia of flavor that balances zesty citrus with humble bitterness. We would be lying if we were to say that we’ve ever tried anything like this before!
The Crystallised Ginger definitely takes the prize for innovation. This atypical flavor profile starts strongly acidic and spicy yet closes with a delicate tone of ginger. The fruity, unique, ginger flavor perfectly balances the rich bold premium Livanto blend.
When drinking Caramel you will uncontrollably utter a long protracted, “Ahhhhh.” This rich, delicate blend of sweet caramel is in perfect harmony with a vanilla undertone making this blend seem more like a dessert itself than a complement to your favorite baked treat. The inviting aroma of this savory blend quickly fills your kitchen/office with a blanket of toffee bliss. We cannot think of a better blend for a cold winter day when you just need to warm up your mind, body, and soul.
Although BHO has only been in office for 3 days, we’re starting to wonder when the news will start to be more upbeat. We all hear dismal news as we go to work in the morning; we then continue to hear the onslaught of more dismal news as the markets develop throughout the day, and then by the time we get home, it’s cold and dark, and there’s usually more dismal news. And while we really don’t know how to fix this horrendously depressing rat-race, we do know how to get you a reprieve from our financial doldrums when you do get home—via a martini!
You see, we can learn a lot from James Bond. No matter how stressed he was, no matter how close he was to dying, he always appreciated a good stiff drink to help him unwind. So, why should you be any different? Which is why, today’s product is one of our favorite fun products, the Professional Martini Maker by Waring.
This counter-top gem epitomizes idiot-proof (or alcoholic, your choice of words). All you have to do is dump in your liquor, add some ice, remember to put the top on, and plug it in. Badda-bing, badda-boom, your martini is perfectly mixed and seamlessly chilled. Now, in the event that you’re having a good day, one in which you don’t need to call upon the powers of James Bond, you can hit the “stir” button and have your martini whisked to perfection. However, if you’re feeling like you’re at your wits end, and really need a solid night of Octopussy (or happy endings), then be sure to hit the “shake” button and have your martini delivered to you James Bond style!
In summary, we don’t advocate drinking away your worries. But, if you are going to take up some drinking to help you get through this economic downturn, then at least do it right and make a proper martini. The Professional Martini Maker is the perfect addition to your favorite bachelor’s pad, broker’s pied-à-terre, or stressed out parent’s condo!
In reflecting upon our excitement about our newly inaugurated 44th President and also our country's extremely bleak financial status, we think this review is the absolute perfect review for today! Chances are, if you’re anything like us, you have a new sense of energy and hope about dear old BHO (Barrack Hussein Obama). In addition, if you’re anything like us, you’re also trying to cut your costs wherever possible. So, how do you combine these two diametrically opposed sentiments? Well, you find something extremely patriotic that is on sale. And ladies and gentleman, that’s exactly what we have done!
The Red, White and Blue Friendship Bracelet from one of our favorite jewelry designers, Links of London, is the perfect post-innaugural pick-me-up. It is made from vibrant hand-woven colored lanyard and accentuated with sterling silver. This bracelet not only proclaims your heartfelt patriotism, it also costs less than $100 (33% off original price), which shows that you’re also fiscally conservative (like that Palin chick who didn’t have a chance of stepping foot in the White House). So, if you’re looking to jazz up your hand, root for your country, invest a little in the economy, and still keep a wad of cash in your pocket, then this is the perfect gift for you!
On a cold winter day, at a time when the markets were down, and nothing but a frigid wind whipped through an eerily quiet concrete jungle, a man went for a shave. He went for this shave because he lost his sense of touch. On his way to work it was too cold to stop and talk, too depressing to start conversation, and too much energy to break his routine. At work he found himself working aimlessly in his cubicle, reading the same document over and over, laboring over the same boring and trite rebuttals that his opponent had used before, and forgetting to look in the mirror while washing his hands after taking a piss. And, when the man came home, he kissed his wife on the cheek, scratching her face, not caring about his complexion, because he forgot why he should care; until that faithful shave. You see, that man’s wife knew that his spirit was broken. She knew that he lost contact with his inner man-beauty and didn’t care about warm, smooth skin. His wife knew it had been so long since he pampered himself that he forgot why he needed to pamper himself. And so, his wife did what any self-respecting loving partner should do, she got him a haircut and shave at the New York Shaving Company!
The New York Shaving Company is unlike any other experience. Whether you are at their unbelievable boutique on Elizabeth Street, or their quaint new location in the famed Le Parker Meridien, your experience is guaranteed to be simply phenomenal!
The ultimate shaving experience starts with a series of oils, soaps, and lathers that are all devoid of harmful products and made for the most sensitive of skin. Then, as you can imagine, comes the straight razor- which is wielded by only the most highly qualified barbers with more years of experience than most of us are old. Finally, the shave is complete with another series of facial elixirs, potions, and masks. Taken together, it makes for an unbelievable way to pamper oneself without feeling too metrosexual or like your’e wasting your time on something you didn’t need—come on, we all need to shave, right?
To quote John Scala, the President and Founder, “In these hectic times, we are all moving at a mile a minute. We are working harder to makes ends meet and our time is a scarce commodity. The unfortunate result is that we are often forgetting to set aside time for the care of our body and soul. This is where we come in. Fashioned on the classic early 20th Century New York City Barbershop, The New York Shaving Company is the answer to life’s hustle and bustle. Like stepping into another time, you’ll immediately be enveloped in a sensory overload. From the aroma that fills the air to the soothing sounds and comforting furniture, relaxation is not far behind. Feel free to pick up one of our local newspapers, sip an espresso or any other complimentary beverage and prepare to have your cares simply melt away.”
So, if you’re looking to unwind and yet still feel like a man, then take a stroll down to Elizabeth Street or over to Le Parker Meridien. While we can’t guarantee that you will regain the hair on your bald spot or lose your man-boobs, we absolutely know that they can bring your face back to the way it felt during those great prepubertal years when you didn’t care about finances and bail-outs.
NOTE: If you’re a woman reading this review, feel free to send us an email to tips (at) spungle (dot) com saying “thank you.” Because, we just found you the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for him and spared you hours of shopping—in fact, we probably just gave you a couple extra hours to shop for yourself!
When it comes to staying warm on these frigid days, there really is only one option, cashmere. And since we have been having near-arctic weather for the last few weeks, we went hunting for knitwear so that we could stay warm during the winter while still maintaining a modicum of style. As you can imagine, it didn’t take us long to find ourselves perusing the Barbour collection of wonderful winter knitwear, and once we tried on their take on the classic crew neck sweater, we were sold!
Our obsession with this timeless classic stems from the fact that it is constructed from extremely high-quality 18-gauge cashmere. With that said, it is made in such a way that its warmth comes from the quality of the weave and not from the weight of the cashmere. The result is that this is an extremely lightweight yet unbelievably warm sweater. Of course, Barbour put a spin on this classic by making it available in a montage of colors, with blue lovat, being our favorite. In summary, this sweater should become the staple of your winter wardrobe. It is warm, comfortable, lightweight, and most importantly, classically fashionable!
To say that we have an unhealthy obsession with our Blackberrys is an understatement. If we’re not busy answering emails from tipsters or readers, we’re thumb-pounding away contacting companies, replying to friends/family/contacts on BBM, IM, e-mail, SMS, MMS, or just doing stupid fun features like Facebook, Google, etc. And while we’ll openly admit that only our boxers tend to get in between us and our beloved Blackberry devices, we have occasionally been known to favor the TV remote over the Blackberry in certain instances. Well, that was until we learned about Unify4Life!
When we first learned that we could use our Blackberry to control our home devices we were skeptical. We didn’t understand why we would want to do that and we doubted the potential power of the system. However, after a few moments of setup, and a whole lot of channel surfing from bed with a Blackberry in hand, we were quickly convinced that the AV|Shadow from Unify4Life is one of the most incredible inventions of 2008! (NOTE: Unify4Life is also all the buzz here at CES this year too!)
According to their site, “Place the AV|Shadow beside your equipment and plug it in. Your choice of setup in front of your equipment on your BlackBerry or on our website, gives you the ultimate flexibility to ensure that you're instantly able to control your equipment. Customize your buttons and activities to the way you will enjoy them. You can now make your personal smartphone your personal remote.
Enjoy the freedom of using your personal remote control in any room that has an AV|Shadow connected. You can add other family members with a BlackBerry allowing them to also instantly transform their smartphone.
Each personal remote also has our UnifyGuide™, providing you TV listing information just like your digital cable or satellite box. Now, you can plan your evening entertainment right on your phone. Use our search feature to quickly find shows or movies you want to watch and put them into your calendar as a reminder or add them to your favorites list along with your favorite channels.”
We found that the system was incredibly easy to setup and use. By having everything on our Bold, which was also on our home WiFi network, we found that we were looking up listing info on our Blackberry Bold web-broswer, and navigating the cable-box like a trained and certified cable-guy.
In summary, if you’re looking to integrate your Blackberry into the last sacred place in your house (the bedroom), then look no further than the AV|Shadow from Unify4Life. This little Bluetooth wonder will not only give you control of your entire A/V system, but also make you look like a total pimp/loser next time you’re in bed and someone asks you to put on Golden Girls and turn the volume up!
When it comes to shoes, we’re always on the hunt for the next best pair. With that said, we also realize that classics are just as important when assembling a wardrobe as well as this season’s hottest trend. In keeping these two competing themes in the back of our minds, we went hunting for the shoes that we’d want to wear on a daily basis that could also fit the bill if we wanted to go out at night. Thankfully the search ended quickly, because once we laid eyes on Superga’s fabulous designs, we were in love!
“In 1913 in Torino, Italy, Walter Martiny started the production of rubber-soled footwear branded with the Superga logo. In 1925 his designs expanded to included footwear with vulcanized rubber soles and the Superga 2750 Heritage style was born! After the war, Superga restarted production specializing solely in the production of high quality footwear. In the 1970s, Superga diversified to add sport shoes with technical attributes. Now the collections include Superga City leather collections and Superga Country rubber rain and outerwear boots in addition to the original Superga Vulcanized and Sport lines.”
The shoe that’s currently the object of our desire is the Firenze. This handsome shoe features an upper made of full grain leather, cotton lining for extra comfort, and a natural rubber outersole for added traction. We found that this shoe not only looked great, but that if felt great, too! The shoe looked awesome with jeans during the day, slacks at work, and with whatever was appropriate when going out at night. To say that we’re unhealthily obsessed with this shoe, might be an understatement! So, in summary, if you’re looking to jazz up your shoe collection while purchasing a shoe that will last more than one season, then look no further than the most fabulous Firenze by Superga!
For as long as we can remember, we’ve been Ray-Ban whores! There’s something magical about the classic aviator that was perfected by this optical giant. Which is why we were absolutely thrilled when we had the chance to experience the coveted Ltd. Edition White Gold Ray-Ban Caravan Ultra!
These little wonders are everything we’ve ever wanted in our favorite facial accoutrement and then some! For starters, they are plated in 18-carat white gold and have unique tortoiseshell earpieces. The glass features Ray-Ban’s highest level of technology to date, the P3 PLUS system- an armamentarium of polarizing power, anti-reflective protection, and an innovative water-repellent system. Being that that these glasses are for the super elite, each pair is numbered in titanium on the inside of the arm. Taken together, these glasses are the crème-de-la-crème of sunglasses and once they’re sold out, they’re gone for good. So, what are you waiting for? Get them now! And if $500 is a little too steep for your 2009 budget, here are some other great styles in the Caravan collection.
If you were lucky enough to get away over the holiday break we hope you took lots of photos to help remind you of the “good times” while we battle through this horrendous financial recession. And while you sit in your cubicle with likely nothing to do, we might recommend flipping through those photos to help pass the time. Now sure, you could look at your camera’s screen, iPhone, or computer screen to view your photos. But, that’s not really going to do much for a conversation piece when your boss walks by. So, we recommend that your spruce up your cube with our favorite digital photo frame from Insignia.
This technology-packed aesthetic gem is choc full of features! The 7" LCD screen has 15:9 aspect ratio and 800 x 480 resolution. The 128MB internal memory lets you save and manage your digital images while also supporting CompactFlash, Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick and xD-Picture Card memory card formats as well. There’s a USB 2.0 interface for easy connection to your computer and it automatically recognizes memory cards and plays a slideshow; ie no PC required in case you already pawned it for cash. You can display a single picture or slideshow with clock and calendar. In addition, it features auto rotation adjusting for landscape or portrait modes based on frame orientation. Lastly, it plays back MP3 and AAC audio formats for music slideshows
So, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge, get yourself a digital frame, load it up with shots of happy times, and suffer through your work day with an occasional happy thought and maybe even a smile!
Being that we’re just days away from our favorite vacation of the year (the break between Christmas and New Years), we thought it was only fitting to feature what is sure to be this winter’s hottest bathing trunks. We fell in love with Sundek a few months back and have been kvelling over them ever since. No matter which suit we try, we are always amazed by their commitment to making luxurious suits that not only look great, but feel great, too! Which is why this winter’s pièce de résistance, the Iridescent Board Shorts, get an A+ in our book.
These fab board shorts feature a 50% nylon / 50% polyester hybrid that no only flows well both in and out of the water, but also dries incredibly fast. The fly is simply adorned with a touch-tape design and the banded waist is uber-comfortable securing with lace-up ties. Of course, the suit features the hallmark of Sundek suits, the tri-color rainbow across the seat and the embroidered logo patch on the rear pocket.
Alll in all, this is a high-fashion highly-comfortable suit that is meant for the person who is looking to make a statement on the beaches of Miami, Palm Beach, or lido deck of your favorite cruise liner. So, if you’re absolutely panic stricken about what to get your loved one with only hours until Christmas (or mid Hanukkah), then look no further than this beautiful suit. You know they’ll use it next week, and it’ll definitely be the first suit they break out come summer 2009!
Now, if last week’s review left you looking for more Bluetooth goodies, then we have the perfect review for you. You see, this next product is not only perfect for your favorite Bluetooth addict, it’s also a gem for your favorite audiophile. In fact, judging from its popularity, and recent status as a Time Magazine Top 10 Gadget, it’s really perfect for everyone! We’re talking about the critically-acclaimed foxL Bluetooth speaker from Sound Matters.
We’ll start off by saying that we are absolutely obsessed with the foxL. We cannot believe how much sound we get from this tiny wonder. Every time we sync it up with our Blackberry or other Bluetooth device, we are blown away by the clarity and character of this wirelessly streamed music!
According to the Sound Matters site, one of the strengths of the foxL is its Twoofer. “Unlike other portable speaker systems, foxL is engineered around a pair of proprietary, highly sophisticated acoustic drivers, unique in their ability to reproduce both extreme high (tweeter) and low (woofer) frequencies from a single very small diameter (25mm) dome speaker, dubbed the"Twoofer"
Furthermore, “foxL's dual digitally powered Twoofers are assisted in their task of reproducing low frequencies by a miniaturized version of the high mass "moving-wall" passive bass radiators found in soundmatters' award-winning SUBstage home subwoofers.
To add the additional bass driver, without compromising stringent weight and space restrictions, soundmatters engineers developed an innovative solution, the BassBattery™. This patent-pending design was created by rubber-encasing foxL's built-in high capacity, lithium-ion battery, enabling it to provide the mass for, and doing double duty as, an acoustic suspension bass driver.”
Now, if you’re lost in the details, come back, because here’s the long-and-short of it. The foxL is by far, the best Bluetooth speaker money can buy. It works wonderfully well with Macs and the Blackberry Bold, and the music it produces is on par with much more expensive systems. So, if you’re looking for great sound that comes from a tiny package, then look no further than the foxL—because we truly have never heard/seen/experienced something as impressive as this when it comes to portable audio!
Albeit urban life is not as rough as ranch life, but with that said, the weather still gets pretty nasty at times. And with our economy in the toilet, the chances of sneaking away with a “sudden contagious cold” on the next frigid snowy day are somewhere between slim and none. So, in an attempt to help you brave the elements as you brave our economic downturn, here’s a look at our new favorite chino, made by our new favorite manufacturer, Mountain Khakis!
According to their site, “these soft-but-tough pants adapt to a variety of mountain scenes. They feature industrial strength construction with a clean, comfortable fit. The unique, specially woven fabric is iron-tough on the outside and brushed for a comfortable, soft feel against the skin. They [are the] perfect every day companion to your favorite fleece vest or mountain parka. Quality features include: YKK zipper, riveted metal button, triple stitching and bar tacks in stress areas. Constructed of 10.4 ounce, 100% cotton duck canvas.”
They go on to gloat about their cotton canvas, saying “durability in the mountains is essential and that’s why we developed our custom made 100% cotton duck canvas with thick ring spun yarn - making it one of the toughest fabrics available. At 10.4oz MK duck canvas is extremely abrasion resistant due to the double ply weave on both the warp and weft. This allows us to produce a lighter canvas without sacrificing durability. All of our fabric is pre-washed and brushed before cutting and sewing. These processes produce products with unparalleled broken in comfort.”
Now, we haven’t tried these pants out on the tundra, but we’ve definitely given them a few rough wears both in the city, and while cleaning up the country house. The pants truly are wonderful- they are stylish, comfortable, warm, and incredibly durable. So, before you rush into one of those ubiquitous over-priced chain stores, take a look at these wonders—we guarantee that after one wear, you’ll be conviced there’s nothing better than a good pair of MMountain Khakis!
With the holidays only days away, chances are that you’re totally panic-stricken. What do you get the guy who has it all? Does he need a new phone? Nope, he already got the Blackberry Bold. Does he need a new iPod? Nope, he already listens to his music on his Bold. Does he use his Blackberry with his stereo? Wait—you probably didn’t realize you could do that. And, chances are, that he doesn’t either. Which is why the Blackberry Music Gateway really is the perfect gift for that guy with it all!
The Music Gateway lets you wirelessly stream music from stored music on your Blackberry to a home sound system or personal stereo. It is incredibly small and sleek in design, being less than 2" across. To pair it, all you have to do is turn it on, and press the only button on the device—which makes it an absolute snap. As for output, you can use a 3.5mm stereo cable or an RCA auxiliary cable depending on your system. And, best of all, it comes with both cables so you don’t even have to think about it!
Now, if you’re going to make such an investment in streaming music, then you should also get a high-capacity memory card for your device. Our favorite card, after testing way too many cards, is the Sandisk 16GB microSDHC. This card not only features phenomenal speed and performance (speed class 2 for you technophiles), it also is extraordinarily stable! We found that this card beautifully managed our behemoth hodge-podge of files without batting an eye-lash. And in the event that we proved to be mightier than the card, we rested assured that it was protected by Sandisk’s 5-year limited warranty.
So, if you’re fed up with shopping for your favorite spoiled schmuck, then look no further than the Blackberry Music Gateway and Sandisk’s 16GB microSDHC; trust us, he’ll love it!
Are you or someone you love hairy? If so, then this review is perfect for you! A few years back we brought to you the original Norelco Bodygroom. We explained to you why it was so important to “manscape” your gardens, tame your “forests,” and train your gerbils. Well, many months later, and many many many nick-free days later, we find ourselves slightly embarrassed. You see, after umpteen (aka hundreds) of uses, we’ve worn out our beloved Bodygroom. So, like responsible internet shoppers, we went online and were about to order a replacement. And just as we were about to complete the order, we saw that Norelco released an update to our fair shaving friend. Obviously, we got ourselves the new one; partially so we could tell you about it, and partially because we needed something with a stronger motor!
The new and improved Norelco Bodygroom. has everything that you loved about the original model and more. For starters, it is still water resistant & maintenance free: Self-sharpening blades never need lubrication. And, it’s still relatively idiot proof provided you stop when something hurts or when skin is caught in a blade (ouch!). But after that, this is an all new trimming beast! This new unit features a new high-performance trimmer attachment with 5-lock in length settings, a fast extra-large(XL) trimming comb to quickly trim hair in large areas, a new extra-sensitive (XS) trimming comb to comfortably trim hair in the groin area and underarms, and it comes in a bad-ass shiny black finish.
So, if you’re trying to relive 6th grade, or maybe just help someone decrease their back-hair shedding, then this is the perfect inexpensive gift. Trust us, once you go smooth, you’ll never go back to senior year prom mode—at least until the motor dies out!
Given the current state of our economy, it is of paramount importance that you work your ass off in school and work. If you’re in school, you’ve got to bust your butt, so that you can be in the minority of folks graduating with a job. If you’re gainfully employed, you’ve got to work double-time to make sure that you can pay off your ever-growing credit card bill for all those holiday gifts. So, here’s a great gift idea for that loved one who needs to increase their productivity ASAP!
The Livescribe Pulse Smartpen is by far, one of the greatest inventions of 2008. When used in conjunction with the proprietary paper, you can turn the age-old paper-and-pen experience into a high-yield data archiving experience. Confused? Here’s a sample video on what it can do for a couple of pre-med wannabes:
To quote their site, “Livescribe’s intelligent writing system includes an innovative smartpen and dot paper that together bring traditional paper to life. By developing a paper-based platform, Livescribe will fundamentally change the way people capture, use and share information with pen and paper, making the possibilities of pen and paper endless. With Livescribe, people will no longer have to settle – they can have the best of both the paper and digital worlds.”
We found that the software was not only incredibly easy to use, but that the pen/paper was unbelievably accurate. We were able to navigate through our documents in ways never done before. When visiting clients we were able to share tidbits and nuances from previous meetings, and when back at the office, we were able to share notes and ideas in ways we had always wanted but were previously unable to do. The battery life was great, the pen writes like a normal pen, and the paper has a wonderful texture. Taken together, this is the perfect power combo for anyone who has hands and needs to write! So, what are you waiting for? Help your loved one succeed in school, keep his job, or all of the above—get a Livescribe Pulse Smartpen!
Although many of us lead high-power / high-stress lives, that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to relax. One of the most important steps in “initiating” relaxation is riding yourself of all reminders of the day’s horrid events—which usually entails changing your clothes. Now sure, you could put on a t-shirt and jeans, but, let’s be honest—can you really relax and do a few hours of pilates in that? Absolutely not! Which is why, we almost always strip away our work attire in lieu of some wonderful lululemon threads!
In looking for the perfect relaxation gift for that special someone, here’s our favorite outfit—it’s comprised of the Chief Jacket and the Rec Pant II.
To quote the Lululemon site, the Chief Jacket is a “sun up/sun down jacket for the personal trainer's everyday life.” Made from stretch French terry which keeps you warm on your way to and from the gym, studio, or stadium; stretch fabric allows the jacket to be used for any activity and stops annoying elbow bagging. And of course, there is an inside iPod cord exit and tunnel to help manage headphone cords.
Now to complement such a great jacket, we are head-over-heals for the Rec Pant II a “superior water-resistant/wind-resistant/breathable shell pant for outdoor athletics.” This pant’s inner side of fabric has excellent wicking capabilities, side zip vents for extra airflow, 4-way stretch fabric for movement, and most importantly, a chafe resistant inner leg panel.
So, if you’re looking to help your bonus-devoid loved one find a way to relax again, help them transition to solace with this wonderful outfit from Lululemon. We guarantee that they will absolutely love it!
When it comes to winter fashion we tend to look east, really east… to our friends across the pond. You see, with a dearth of sunny days in the highlands and lowlands of Great Britain, those crazy fish-and-chip eating folks have figured out how to make staying warm look pretty good. Furthermore, they have even figured out how to look good, stay warm, and still perform decently well at the daily urban tasks of hunting, fishing, and “touring.” So, in the spirit of finding your special someone (or yourself) what is sure to be this season’s hottest (and warmest) jacket, we give you the Barbour Wax Flyer Jacket.
This incredible piece of menswear truly represents the fusion of old-school Barbour with modern non-hunting, non-fishing, non-touring urban life. The jacket features Barbour’s classic Mediumweight 6oz Sylkoil wax and a 100% cotton Barbour Tartan lining with 30g polyester wadding. Complemented by a belted throat tab, epaulettes, and elasticated cuffs and hems, this jacket embodies modern style set upon a tradition of fine tailoring. Furthermore, the jacket is jazzed up with a storm flap, 2 external press stud-fastened handwarmer pockets, and a number of internal pockets.
Taken together, this is a phenomenal jacket! We’ve yet to go a day where we haven’t had a compliment. It is not only incredibly unique, it is 100% Barbour—which means it is durable, functional, and absolutely beautiful. So, if you’re looking to buy a jacket, and not sure what to look at next, we recommend that you end your search immediately and pick up one of these jackets before they’re all gone and it’s too late!
As you all know, we have a penchant for men’s bags. Which is why, when we had the opportunity to review the coveted Hlaska Evergreen, we were ecstatic! For those who don’t know, the Evergreen has been the buzz of every men’s site for the last few weeks. It has become incredibly popular not only because of its sheer beauty, wonderful design, phenomenal functionality; but because there is no other bag like it! Here’s a quick spot from the Hlaska blog about the construction of the Evergreen :
“For our Evergreen briefcase, we have artisans in Canada working diligently to hand-sew each briefcase perfectly. One of the first challenges our designers ran into was being able to emboss such a large area of leather with a single die similar to the one used for our wallets. The solution was to create 3 separate dies, one for each panel. With an eye- for detail, the factory workers carefully match our wood grain so that the three separately embossed panels on the front and back fit together seamlessly, giving it the look of a single piece of “wood”.
For such a luxurious piece our designers also wanted to make sure they got everything just right, from the top stitching to the lining to the embossing. The Evergreen briefcase went through 5 revisions to get to where it is today, each one improving the shape, feel, and quality of the bag, from the inside out. We spent just as much attention on the interior as we did on the exterior, ensuring it was beautiful as well as functional. For the lining our designers chose 100% cotton Kvadrat European fabric. The picture above shows the internal gussets being hand sewn, offering extra strength and durability at a key stress point.
For that extra special touch, we created a limited run of each color and individually serial numbered each briefcase for authenticity. These key elements may seem small on their own but each is as important as the next to guarantee that our Evergreen Briefcase is flawless in looks, function, and resilience.”
Taken together, we were absolutely impressed with this beautiful piece! We found it to be sturdy, functional, and beautiful. The bag is made not for you, but for future generations, as you are surely going to pass this down from one to another. If you’re looking to surprise that special someone with a truly special gift this holiday season, the Evergreen is your bag!
Being that today is Cyber Monday (the internet equivalent of Black Friday), we thought it was only fitting that we find you an unbelievable web-based holiday gift for today’s review. To be honest, we perused through tons of crap, searched way too many sites, and tormented ourselves over what to feature today. In the end, we decided to go simple yet classy. So, without further ado, we present to you, California Reds Wine of the Month Club.
When we first stumbled upon the California Reds website, we had one of those proverbial “a-ha” moments. Not because it was such a novel idea, but because we wondered why we didn’t review them earlier! If you think about it, this is really the perfect gift for almost anyone. If your friend is a fat slob that loves bacon and beer, fruit of the month is going to be wasted on them. If your friend is a super sophisticated socialite, jellybean of the month is going to be wasted on them as well. And, if your friend is a super spoiled brat that has everything, then chocolate of the month will probably already be making two deliveries to their apartment as it is. However, Wine of the Month is genius. You see, even in the offshot that someone has already signed them up for a similar gift, you can never have enough wine!
Now, the reason that this is our Cyber Monday feature is because they are phenomenally priced! Here are their 3 packages, which you can do for as little as 3 months or for as long as 12 months:
World Wide Reds $38.95 Per Month - our International wine of the month club is for the adventurer in all of us! Each month we'll deliver two different bottles of handcrafted, specialty wines from boutique wineries around the world. This club is a great choice when you want to experience wines from exotic locales across the globe.
Dynamic Duo $44.95 Per Month - our most popular club features a monthly delivery of two different bottles of California red wines from interesting, up-and-coming wineries - many of which have yet to be discovered by the national wine experts. If you like the idea of being the first to sample a new winery, this club is a great choice
Ultimate Reds $94.95 Per Month - our premium wine of the month club features three bottles every month of highly-rated, hard-to-find wines from boutique, family-owned wineries across the Napa Valley. This Ultimate Reds Wine Club is a wine gift guaranteed to satisfy even the most discriminating wine connoisseurs.
In summary, we honestly believe that California Reds Wine of the Month is the perfect gift for anyone and everyone! They offer amazing wine, superior service, and all at unbelievable value. So, what are you waiting for? Order that gift for that special someone before it’s too late!
With less than 24 hours until Thanksgiving, chances are that you’re panicked on what to bring to your potluck dinner. Sure, you could go to your local grocer and by a prepared dessert, but you know some other shmuck is likely to get one nicer than yours and show you up. You could easily go over to that expensive import-only market and get some exotic salad, but the likelihood of it being a hit, is somewhere between 0 and 50% (at best). So, what are you to do? Well, thankfully, we’ve done all the hard work and found the ideal edible delectable for tomorrow night’s feast. And, it all starts with a healthy serving of Baconnaise!
Now in case your brain is in a pre-Thanksgiving coma, we’ll give you a little insight into Baconnaise. It is bacon flavored mayonnaise! Genius, right? This stuff is unbelievable and perfect on nearly everything from french fries, to burgers, to tuna salad, to anything that could need a healthy bacon infusion. But in keeping with our promise for the perfect Thanksgiving dish, here’s our favorite recipe, courtesy of the Baconnaise website:
2 lbs small potatoes (preferably reds) 2 tablespoons dijon mustard 1 cup Baconnaise™ 3 stalks finely minced celery 2 tablespoons chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Cut the potatoes into half-inch pieces, keeping the skin on. Place potatoes in a pot of boiling, salted water and cook for approximately 15 minutes until they are tender, but still a little firm. Drain and place in cold water immediately. Pre-mix the Baconnaise™ and Dijon mustard, then add to potatoes along with minced celery, Dijon mustard and parsley until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper if necessary to taste. Sprinkle more parsley on the top for garnish.
By the way, in case there are a couple chosen folks at your feast (aka Jews), don’t worry, Baconnaise is actually Kosher!
“Yes, there are rabbis out there with enough chutzpah to certify things with bacon in the name as kosher. Fortunately, there is no such thing as eternal damnation in the Jewish faith. If you keep kosher, the good news is that all of J&D's products are Kof-K certified. Hickory, Peppered, Jalapeno, Maple, Applewood and Mesquite Bacon Salts are Kof-K Parve, while Original, Natural, and Cheddar Bacon Salts along with Regular and Lite Baconnaise are Kof-K Dairy.”
So, take the plunge, get a jar of Baconnaise ASAP, and jazz up that holiday meal by exciting everyone’s palates. We guarantee that you will leave that dinner the victor of this year’s pot-luck, and surely set the bar ever so high for next year’s rematch!
When it comes to protecting our beloved phone, Otterbox knows how to get it done! These outdoor enthusiasts over the years have figured out how to keep your phone from getting banged up, scratched up, soaked, and broken using some of the most ingenious technological engineering we’ve ever seen. Which is why when we got our Blackberry Bold (truly our new favorite phone), we went straight to their site to see what they were cooking up for us drop-prone Blackberry addicts. So without further ado, we introduce you to the newly released Impact Series!
“This thin, skin-like design offers your BlackBerry Bold protection against bump and shock. All buttons, ports and functions are accessible right through the case, and the inner corners are designed to dissipate impact AWAY from your device. A lso, the OtterBox for BlackBerry Bold Impact Series has an ergonomic design that your hands will love to be wrapped around!”
To say that we’re obsessed with this case is an understatement. This case has already protected our device from drops onto a moving treadmill, drops onto NYC concrete, and countless back-flips off a restaurant table. We honestly believe that this case is ideal for those who need to protect the phone while maintaining the Bold’s slim profile.
Now, we must also admit, that neither we nor Otterbox has forgotten iPhone either. This ridiculously secure case is also available for our old friend the iPhone 3G, and it provides your touch-screen device the same outrageous protection as the Bold. So, what are you waiting for? Before you know it, your phone will be dinged up, and you’ll be known as that guy with the banged up phone—no one wants to hang out with that guy, right!?!
Truth be told, we’re huge whisky fans. There’s something about the complexity, the way it develops in your glass, and the way it warms you up on these chilly nights. If we’re looking to just relax or have a wild night, there’s always a time/place for a dram or two. With that said, not all whiskies are made the same. Some are blends, some are single malts, and some are just brown watered down crud. Thankfully, this next whisky only fits one of those descriptors (single malt), and is an absolute treat to your finely tuned, discriminating palate—that whisky is Yamazaki .
“In 1923, Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory and the father of Japanese whisky, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in the Vale of Yamazaki. Using copper pot stills, the Yamazaki distillery was the first of its kind outside of Scotland. The distillery’s location on the outskirts of Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto offered pure waters, diversity of climate and high humidity - the ideal environment for the maturation of good whisky.”
Today, Yamazaki is not only the most popular single malt whisky in Japan, it is one of the most exclusive and highly desired whiskies worldwide. The highly acclaimed single malt 18-year old whisky offers connoisseurs an unbelievable array of aroma and flavors. At first whiff, we noted a rich toffee aroma beautifully intertwined with elegant coffee-like undertones. On our first sip we were taken back by the full-bodied flavor of spicy cherry-like and juniper tones. However, as we let this treasure mature in glass and added an ever-so-slight amount of artesian water, we were introduced to a wonderful cornucopia of sweet flavors like fuji apples and apricots while appreciating buttery aromas with elegant leather-like scents. Taken together, this is the epitome of luxury whisky. It is not meant for the occasional sipper—it is manufactured for the discriminating connoisseurs who likes his whiskies like wardrobe; a notch above the rest. So, if you’re stuck on what to get that special someone, or if you just want to impress your boss this holiday season, don’t look any further than the Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Year Old Whisky; we guarantee that you’ll be destined for a bonus, even in this horrendous economy!
When we first got wind of Vers, we were skeptical. Being that we’re total techno/audiophiles, we know that everyone and their hairy sister is in to making iPod docking speakers systems. And while the majority of them get the job done, few of them are really able to belt out the bass that we love and the treble that we desire. Being that Vers was marketing themselves as a notch above the rest, we decided to give them a shot and see what all the buzz was about. In short, we were amazed, and this is why….
For starters, Vers has gone about making the 1.5R the right way- from the acoustic perspective first. To quote their site, “Ask anyone in the world of speaker design and they will tell you the #1 objective in developing a good sound enclosure is ‘rigidity’ – assuring that the enclosure itself does not resonate under pressure from the speaker and either add to or subtract from the natural, intended sound of the speakers themselves. A good sound enclosure is one that delivers sound clean, without affecting it in any way.
The wall thicknesses of a typical plastic iPod sound system are about 2 mm, allowing the plastic to easily flex and affect the sound you ultimately hear. Some plastic system manufacturers compensate for this by artificially adjusting the bass and treble; most do nothing at all. The walls of a Vers cabinet are 9.5 mm thick E0 MDF - a rigid, environmentally friendly wood fiber material preferred by most high-end speaker manufacturers. A Vers cabinet is more than 4 times thicker than its plastic counterparts. A rigid, acoustically neutral cabinet means a more accurate, natural delivery of the intended sound, allowing the music to ‘transcend’ the sound system.”
In addition, the Vers 1.5R is truly designed to be the only thing on your shelf/desk/night-stand/cabinet. It is chock-full of serious features like an energy efficient class D amplifier, 15 watt full range speakers, rear port design for deep bass response, a switchable internal / external antenna, adjustable backlit LCD with large easy-to-read display, and 3.5mm jacks for in/out. In addition, the Vers 1.5, in keeping true to the company’s mission, is hand crafted-- available in Cherry, Natural Walnut, Dark Walnut, Bamboo and White Gloss finishes (all done by hand), taking over a week to build and making each one unique!
Lastly, we cannot emphasize enough that this unit is as aesthetically beautiful as it is acoustically balanced. We tested this unit against a number of our demo speaker units, and could not find a better unit for this size or price. In conclusion, if you’re looking to enjoy your iPod at work, home, or anywhere in-between, then this is the unit for you. The care that goes into the construction of this device is unlike any other we have seen, and the sound that it produces, is unlike any other we have heard. Take it from us, we know our stuff, and this is the unit to buy this year!
With Fall in full-effect, it’s time to button up, bundle up, and warm up. So, in hopes of helping you and your wardrobe get off to a good start, here’s one of our favorite picks for Fall 2008- the Harbor Cardigan, from fab design house, Modern Amusement.
This unbelievably comfortable, extremely stylish, incredibly diverse sweater is sure to become the staple of your 2008/2009 wardrobe. Made from a supple blend of lamswool and cashmere, this sweater is the modern version of the timeless cardigan. Featuring oversized buttons, a wide fold-down collar, and an intricately knitted pattern, this sweater typifies what we love. You can sport this sweater at work, at night, and everywhere in between, all while guaranteeing that you will be the focus of everyone’s fashion conversations. To say that we love this sweater is an understatement, which is why we recommend you buy it online here—because as we all know, winter is coming and it ain’t getting warmer for a while!
In keeping with the theme of awkward holiday party mishaps, chances are that you or someone you know is going to have to own-up for their indiscretions. Now, of course you could take the bull by the horns and approach the offended party at work, or you could try to smooth things over with a simple phone call. However, if you really complicated the situation (aka mucked it up big time), a phone call might even be too awkward in the non-medicated state. So, what do you do? Well, thankfully you don’t have to put too much thought into that question, because the genius folks at SlyDial did all the thinking for you!
Slydial is a phenomenal service that directly connects you to someone’s voicemail. No longer do you actually have to speak to the person—instead you can “slydial” them, leave a nice long apologetic message, and let that germinate until the next time you see them. “Powered by your voice, slydial voice messaging is a time saver, keeps you connected, and is a great alternative to text messaging or email. Let's face it, you can say a lot more in a 90 second voice message than you can in a 160 character text message or a short email.”
Confused on how it works? So are we—but here’s a video to give you the gist of when you should use it:
Now, when we were first introduced to slydial, you had to call 267-SLYDIAL and then manually dial in the recipient’s phone number. We used to think that this was a small price to pay for avoiding an awkward conversation—but it was an inconvenience. In an act of divine intervention (and genius computer programming), the folks of slydial have also just released 2 (soon to be 3) applications for your favorite smartphone. “With a touch of a button, you can easily voice message any contact with a U.S. mobile phone number directly from your phone's address book. Staying in touch has never been easier, whether you want to leave a quick voice message for friends and family or give the 411 to a business contact.”
So, as we always like to say, what are you waiting for? Go to slydial.com , signup for a MYslydial account, and download your software. We guarantee that this brilliant technology will save your touchas in the near future—so why not follow the Boy Scout motto, and be prepared?!?
With the holidays just around the corner, lots of great embarrassing footage is in the making. And instead of reminiscing about how that slutty executive vp tried to seduce that poor young analyst, or how your least favorite managing director kept sticking his fingers in the dip, or just how your coworker got way too drunk for everyone’s own good, you should be recording all these hilarities in high-quality HD. Up until now, the only way to record these priceless moments with an HD camera was to be extremely obtrusive and bring out an oversized camera—which pretty much negates your chances of actually recording these key scenes. But, as of today, that has all changed. Our favorite pocket-sized recording company, Flip Video, has just released the MinoHD —and we are absolutely obsessed with it!
Weighing in at a mere 3.3 ounces, it features 720p HD video recording! This mini-wonder can store up to 60 minutes of HD video on its 4GB internal memory, and using Flip’s patented flip-out USB arm, you can seamlessly drag-and-drop video right from the device to your computer and upload it directly to YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, AOL Video, or whatever else you want. Best of all, the software works beautifully on Macs and PCs!
Thanks to its simple design, it truly is idiot proof! The camera sports a great 1.5-inch anti-glare LCD display, a 2x digital zoom, and big buttons for recording, playback, fast-forward, rewind, pause and delete. After just a few minutes of tinkering, you will be a budding Academy Award winning director—so, what are you waiting for? Pick up the MinoHD before they’re out of stock, because this is sure to be one of this year’s hottest holiday gifts, and an absolute must for your next office party!
As the mercury drops and we start to don heavier and heavier outwear, it becomes ever more cumbersome to schlep stuff to and from work. In addition, as the bulk of our outerwear increase, it becomes increasingly difficult to wield a messenger bag with style and ease. So, what is a fashionable male to do? Find a new alternative, but of course! Behold, the Waxwear Computer File Case from the iconic manufacturer, Jack Spade.
We are absolutely obsessed with this case for a number of reasons. For starters, it is made from their timeless waxwear that not only can take a lickin’, but always looks great even after a swift kickin’. Their waxwear beautifully repels water and will surely keep your beloved documents/laptop safe and dry. Second, the bag is extremely functional with dual zipper closure, a hidden ticket pocket, an exterior zipper pocket, interior organizing pockets, and an interior padded computer sleeve. Third, and most importantly, it has extremely comfortable handles. This is ever so important, because as we all know, it can be damn near impossible to catch a cab during the height of holiday season, and you have to be prepared to walk to every meeting you have scheduled in the weeks ahead. So, taken together, this is the perfect bag for the guy who wants a classy yet casual yet functional yet comfortable brief to get him through the next few months ahead of us. Pretty hot, right?
In keeping with Wednesday’s “Ol’ School” theme, we’ve decided to take you back one more decade and introduce you to one of our most favorite pairs of kicks. Diadora, the legendary manufacturer of fine sporting shoes (and unbelievable soccer boots), has recently released their Heritage Line of shoes. The shoes are inspired by their wildly successful styles of the 1970’s and 1980’s, are truly are timeless classics. Not only do they look “totally rad” (1980’s reference), they are “oh so smooth” (1970’s reference). Our most favorite pair are the Seb Impact, a “cool and trendy heritage shoe based off of the tennis shoes worn by Bjorn Borg in the 1970's and 1980's.” We found the shoes to be extremely comfortable and perfectly balanced for the fashionable yet functional world that we all live in. So, if you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe with a timeless classic, then look no further than the Diadora Heritage Collection!
There’s something to be said for “kicking it old school style.” Now, sure, you could try to fit into your old high-school jeans and look like a blueberry muffin, or you could relive the yester-years in a much more benign and tasteful way. Freestyle, the uber-hot fav of us all products of the 80s, has gone back to creating our favorite styles, and reinvigorated the adored Shark line of watches. Not only does this timeless piece keep phenomenal time, it happens to feature a comfy polyurethane strap, 2 alarms, a stopwatch with split screen functions, a backlight display, and the ability to do things like tell the day, date, and time. While this extremely affordable piece of wrist real estate may not be able to magically take you back to your thinner / full-head-of-hair years, it surely is a step in the right direction. So, take a break from your current bling, embrace the recession, and buy a fun watch that’s sure to become your new favorite timekeeper!
Tomorrow is surely going to be a day for the history books. Not only is the coolest Presidential candidate likely to be elected, one of the most highly anticipated phones is going to be commercially available as well. So, taken together, tomorrow is a big f’ing day for us Americans! Now, we’re sure you can figure out whom we’re talking about with respect to the candidate, but do you know which phone we’re mentioning? Well, if you’re a tech-freak like us, this is a rhetorical question. However, if you’re like the 99% of other people out there, you probably have no clue. Which is why we feel it is our civic duty as proud Americans to post our amazingly in-depth review of this highly anticipated device, because we’re sure that you’re never going to think of your mobile phone the same after you read this review. So, without further ado, we bring to the Blackberry 9000, aka Blackberry Bold— the phone we fell in love with when we first read about it, and the phone we fell in love with all over again, when we started using it a few weeks back.
For starters, this ain’t your daddy’s Blackberry. In fact, this ain’t even anything close to yesterday’s Blackberry—this device is a whole new beast! With respect to size, we would place the Bold somewhere between the Curve (8300 series) and the business-oriented 8800 series. At first we found the size slightly intimidating being that we’re such avid iPhone and Curve users. However, after a few minutes of playing and a whole lot of emailing, we found the size to be perfect for the email addict or the Blackberry messenger obsessed masses. In fact, the keyboard, which is reminiscent of the 8800, offers phenomenal key-to-key spacing and great tactile feedback, making typing a breeze. Also, by eliminating one of the shift keys, RIM was able to gain valuable real estate on the device, and create an ergonomic keyboard, that graced by overly large (unsure why) ergonomic navigation keys as well.
When you actually clean the drool off the screen and power this thing up, you notice two things. One it is fast, and two, the screen is unbelievably not RIM. With respect to speed, RIM went all out and built this device around a 624MHz processor. Essentially, my freshman year computer didn’t have this much computing power. This doubling of the standard Blackberry processor affords the user not only an incredibly smooth interaction with the device, but also the ability to get shit done! It whizzes through emails, texts, applications, and seems to have forgotten how to freeze and ruin one’s running chain of dirty texts.
Now, while the speed of the device will impress you, you’re the lucky duck that gets to keep this in your pocket. What will impress all the folks around, is the Bold’s half-VGA screen. To say that the screen is anything but breath taking is an understatement. Colors absolutely jump off the screen providing you with the richest of colors, the brightest of brights, the darkest of darks, and the best overall screen quality since the iPhone came to town. In fact, because of its size and orientation, you actually have the ability to finally show people photos on your Blackberry! We hope the RIM will stop putting crap screens on their other devices and stick to this new way of viewing things, because this really just makes the Bold experience absolutely pitch-perfect!
Now, as you’re reading this review you’re probably starting to wonder about battery power. Hell, they’ve included a bad-boy processor and an even bad-ass’er screen! Well, thankfully RIM read your thoughts and included phenomenal power-managing software and complimented it with an untiring battery. In fact, we would argue that it was an absolute challenge to drain this battery even with a weekend full of Bold-related activities.
Being that we’re more than halfway through with this review, you’re probably itching to know about its connectivity. And we’ll be honest, we left this conversation to be after the mention of the battery power, because as opposed to other devices (cough iPhone, cough), we were actually able to use all of our available connectivities at all times and now worry about battery power issues. Yup, that’s right, we were able to leave the screen on full-brightness, and still connect to 3G, GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi.
In fact, we were shockingly surprised to find that our Bold had BETTER reception than our iPhone. We were almost consistently finding a one-two bar difference between the two devices. And when asking callers on the other end what they thought, they almost unanimously agreed that the Bold held a better connection.
By having both 3G and WiFi we can finally stream media to our Blackberry device, upload video content to our favorite naughty sites, download programs and use them within the same hour, and open attachments before a contract expired. The connectivity of the device really affords you the ability to leave your computer at home, and as Sarah Palin likes to say, “get er’ done.”
The Bold has other great features like a beautifully tweaked user-interface, an external microSD slot (finally!), 1 gig of on-board memory, a bizarre leatherette back, and the best speakerphone on the market.
While we don’t think this is “the” phone for everyone, we whole-heartedly believe that like Barrack, this is the one to beat. The Blackberry 9000 is a well-overdue upgrade to the RIM product line, and really is designed for folks who are as simple as Joe the Plumber, and as complex as a socialist. After having this device for a few weeks, we have to say that we honestly can’t wait until tomorrow—both so we can share in everyone’s joy as the good guy finally wins the election, and also so people will stop begging us to see our Bold!
As you already know, we're huge Glenrothes fans. We have yet to fine a scotch that can come close to their relentless pursuit to produce the perfect scotch. And, as Spungle continue to turn a profit, and we invest that profit in older and older vintages, we're learning that vintage scotch is a whole new level of scotch enjoyment. Which is why, when we got word of a new Glenrothes experience, we felt that we had to share it with you ASAP. So without further ado, we present to you the best use a spare $25,000!
The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience offers serious Scotch aficionados the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sample vintage Single Malts no longer available to the general public. Accessible only to those who truly savor the finest things in life, the tasting will be held in the beautifully appointed cellars of Berry Brothers & Rudd’s St. James Street location.
Ronnie Cox, recently-named Whiskey Ambassador for Scotland for 2008 and Master of the Keepers of the Quaich, will lead the tasting. The vintages will be paired with dishes prepared by the distinguished Berry Brothers & Rudd Head Chef, Stewart Turner, formerly of the Connaught and Brown’s Hotels as well as The Waterside Inn at Bray and Gravetye Manor in Sussex.
Mr. Cox has specially selected the vintages to be offered in the tasting. It is the singular opportunity to taste these unavailable vintages that is the allure of this special night -- nowhere else in the world can a Scotch lover indulge in the luxury of these rare bottles. These will include:
The Glenrothes 1966 Single Cask #1438 -- Appearance: Deep, dark red; Aroma: Full strength - Dried fruit, linseed oil, butter toffee; Palate: Sweet, strawberry, ripe oranges, vanilla; Finish: Medium length, sweet.
The Glenrothes 1979 Vintage (Bottled 1994): Appearance: Natural, solid gold; Aroma: Delicate peat, heavy fruit/plums. Some spiciness; Palate: A full flavor, silky-smooth, licorice with lots of spiciness and touches of dried fruit and peat; Finish: Spicy, smooth, becoming dry.
The Glenrothes 1985 Vintage (Bottled 1997): Appearance: Natural, golden color, clear and bright; Aroma: Aromatic with a hint of spiciness; Palate: Full bodied, sweet and spicy; Finish: Medium sweet, long and well-balanced.
With dinner, guests will also enjoy some exceptional wines from the Berry family reserves held under lock and key in their private cellars. This is of course a 'by invitation only' opportunity as the family rarely opens their private cellars to outsiders. Simon Berry, the company’s current chairman, will choose the wine depending on what he deems right and ready at the time, and to match the food being prepared.
The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience is limited to 10 individuals. Inclusive cost is $25,000! Booking can require as much as a year’s notice, depending on Mr. Cox’s schedule-- so get on it! Connoisseurs interested in booking this one-of-a-kind experience should contact Bridget DiMartino at 212-477-8090 or e-mail her at bridget (at) tbtpr.com.
When the iPhone first emerged, it was amazing. Its shear presence had the ability to silence a crowded restaurant. Everyone wanted to see it, touch it, and whisk his fingers across it. And now, 6 million + iPhones later, we see everyone from hunched-over arthritic grandmas to teeny-boppers blabbing away on this wonder device. So, in an attempt to reclaim our lost coolness factor, we investigated what we could do to “re-cool” our iPhones, and thankfully stumbled upon ColorWare!
“ColorWare Inc., established in 2000, is an industry leader in altering the color of existing products. ColorWare began with the concept of transforming the ubiquitous beige computer into a custom-colored work of art. The idea began with an attempt to color a late-model cell phone in 1999. After a year of testing and experimenting, the ColorWare high-gloss, scratch-resistant polymer-based coating was perfected.” And now, they are helping us turn our standard devices into pocket-sized works of individualized art!
The process is extremely simple—you go onto their site, let your imagination run wild and funk-up your device, and then you send it to them. Within a short time you get a nice little package from the folks at ColorWare, and before you know it, you’re the talk of the town! We were not only impressed with their easy-to-use website, and quick turn-around, but of the quality of the polymer. We feel that our iPhone is not only 100% cooler, but also well protected. All in all, we’re beyond impressed, and will surely send them anything and everything that they can color!
(P.S. rumor has it that they’re gearing up to do Blackberry Bolds as soon as AT&T is ready to release them!)
Even though the market is tanking, it doesn’t mean you can’t reward yourself for surviving a rough few weeks. So, in hopes of brightening up your day (and your wrist), we went shopping for a new piece of “casual bling,” and just happened stumble upon an absolutely beautiful piece from the Porsche Design P’3450 series of bracelets. The TecFlex Bracelet is everything that we want in a casual piece of jewelry. It is light, mannish, durable, and unique. The bracelet is constructed from high-quality TecFlex material, a stainless steel weave that is commonly used in cycling, and adorned with a simple magnetic clasp made of matte polished stainless steel. We found it to be extremely comfortable and a great conversation piece. And, given this economy, wouldn’t you rather talk about a bracelet than how much money you used to have?
As you all know, we take great pride in our originality and unprecedented access to some of the most desirable personal possessions. With that said, we occasionally feel the need to “re-post” a review because of an update to a fabulous product. Today is one of those examples. Back in Spring 2008 we introduced to you what we consider to be the greatest iPhone ear-phones currently available. And now, more than 5 months later, we still feel that they are the best that money can buy. However, V-Moda, after doing considerable testing and market research, has improved these wondrous ear-phones by improving the connector. On the newest revision, it features a “45-degree flexible design that allows an optimal range of motion while maintaining a sleek, sturdy metallic core fused to a 24-carat gold-plated plug.” In other words, the plug is now in the same plane as the tension that you may apply to it during your daily functioning. And while this may not seem like a big deal, this little adaptation not only protects your precious iPhone ear-phone connector, but also diminishes the iPhone’s profile in your pocket. So, here’s the link to our May 2008 review, and here’s the link to buy them. Our hat goes off to this amazing manufacturer that was responsive enough to respond to their consumer’s requests and make the product the way the consumer wants it!
When someone’s in a grumpy mood, quite often some jerk asks him, “What, did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” This question typically leads to a look of distaste by the grumpy person, and most likely subtle retaliation when the inquirer least expects it. And while many would argue that it’s a “harmless,” “timeless” question, we would disagree. You see, with the advent of modern mattress construction, there usually is no “wrong side.” So, in fact, the question doesn’t even make sense. A better question would probably be, “What, did you not drink a Nespresso this morning?”
You see, Nespresso is how we start our day, every day. We’re infatuated with the entire Nespresso experience. The sleek palm-sized pod seamlessly inserts into our beautifully constructed machine, the cold steel handle makes a perfectly tuned “click” to let us know that the chamber is loaded, and the aroma quickly fills the room as the first of many cups are brewed. So, being that we’re so head-over-heels for Nespresso, and that the folks at Nespresso know about our obsession, we get the unqiue opportunity to sample their special limited edition blends before the rest of you. What that lets us do is not only flaunt our Nespresso connection, but also review these blends in time for when they are about to be commercially delivered. And so, without further ado, we introduce you to this Fall’s amazing creation, Jinogalpa.
The blend is named after the two main regions in the mountains of Nicaragua, Matagalpa and Jinotega. The beans are picked by hand, fully washed at wet mills, and then carefully sun-dried to ensure the proper development and preservation of this unique flavor. The process is also augmented by split-roasting, where coffee from similar regions are actually roasted separately and introduced to the hoppers prior to the processing. Taken together, you cannot find a blend like this anywhere in the world, and only Nespresso holds the key to unlocking the wonder of this aromatic and flavorful masterpiece.
As for the flavor, it’s an unbelievable masterpiece of intertwined aromas of sandalwood, raw sugar cane, and herbal undertones, making it a balanced coffee of moderate intensity that is well suited for any and every discerning palette. So, after all this fancy writing, what more do you need to know? Get this blend before it goes down in the history books as the be-all / end-all of luxury coffee!
